LURCH said:There's a fairly good explanation here, from HowStuffWorks. I was particularly interested in the shape of the engine. It broadens out as one progresses aft of the combustion chamber, causing me to wonder how much of the thrust is provided by the burning gasses expanding laterally. If the airflow remains supersonic throughout combustion, it would seem that gettnig forward thrust from the explosion is impossible, and all the thrust must be from lateral pressure on the sides of the vent. Can anyone conform or refute?
A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) engine is a type of air-breathing jet engine that operates at hypersonic speeds, typically above Mach 5. It uses the forward motion of the aircraft to compress air, which is then mixed with fuel and ignited in a continuous process to produce thrust.
A traditional jet engine relies on a series of rotating blades to compress air before mixing it with fuel and igniting it. In a scramjet engine, air is compressed through the inlet's shockwave, eliminating the need for moving parts and allowing for operation at higher speeds.
Scramjet engines offer several advantages over traditional jet engines. They can operate at higher speeds, resulting in faster flights and reduced travel time. They also have a simpler design, making them lighter and more efficient. Additionally, scramjet engines do not require onboard oxidizers, as they use the oxygen in the atmosphere for combustion, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft.
One of the main challenges with scramjet engines is achieving stable combustion at hypersonic speeds. The high temperatures and pressures in the engine can also cause materials to degrade quickly, requiring advanced materials and cooling techniques. Additionally, scramjet engines are currently limited to use in high-speed, atmospheric flight, and cannot operate in the lower atmosphere or at low speeds.
Scramjet engines have been used in experimental aircraft and missiles, such as the X-51A Waverider and the BrahMos-II missile. They also have potential applications in commercial space transportation and high-speed commercial aircraft. Additionally, scramjet engines could be used in military applications, such as hypersonic missiles and reconnaissance vehicles.