I Rocket-Jet Hybrid, Rocket + Ramjet

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the potential of combining rocket and ramjet technologies to enhance engine efficiency. A thrust augmentor, similar to a ramjet, could utilize hot air from a rocket to heat incoming cold air, potentially increasing thrust. Modifying the intake shape, as demonstrated in the SR-71 Blackbird, may yield better results than simply adding a rocket to the system. Additionally, a pulse-jet enthusiast has explored innovative designs that create high-bypass ratio jet engines, though research has been limited due to military implications. The conversation also touches on advanced concepts from Reaction Engines, which are developing cutting-edge jet-rocket combinations.
Julian Erickson
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I read that a thrust augmentor can significantly increase the efficiency of a jet engine (http://www.pulse-jets.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?t=931). Now from my understanding, the thrust agumentor is sort of like a ramjet. Only, in this case, the cold air is being sucked in along with the hot air that's being forced into it from the previous stage (like a jet jump). The hot air heats the cold air instead of burning fuel like in a ramjet.

So...

Could a low-force rocket pump cold air into a ramjet to provide high force? I don't think I understand all this correctly. I would appreciate any help. Please point me to where I could read about this (someone has already built it I'm sure).
Here is my Frankenstein image in case my words are worthless:
Rocket-_Ramjet.png
 

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Julian Erickson said:
I read that ...
Read where? Do you have a link? You will get more and better answers if we have a better idea where you're starting from.
 
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Nugatory said:
Read where? Do you have a link? You will get more and better answers if we have a better idea where you're starting from.
Good point. I added a link in the original post: http://www.pulse-jets.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?t=931
 
IMHO, you would get more benefit by altering the intake shape, as was done with the 'Blackbird'. Ramp, cone, spike or whatever.

You may need that rocket to kick-start the main jet, but I reckon the thrust augmenter belongs at the back, where it cannot compromise the intake's airflow. IIRC, a pulse-jet enthusiast in the Antipodes found a real-neat way to put a wide, tuned pipe over the exhaust, creating the equivalent of a high-bypass ratio jet engine. His research publishing was hampered some-what by the possible application to build inexpensive flying-bombs...

If you want a cutting-edge jet-rocket combo, with inter-cooling yet, check out Reaction Engines' fascinating work.
https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/
Disclosure: Some years ago, when I first read about their micro-filament heat exchanger, I asked them if they'd considered diagnosis via Fourier analysis of the 'Aeolian Harping'. Their reply was a BIG smiley...
 
Have a look at this video to see the same principle of jet pumping in action with a rocket motor.



You can also see the effect of entrainment from a rocket engine in this example.

Starts test firing at 8min into the video.



Perhaps it may be possible to redirect some of the exhaust from the jet back into the intake so as to bootstrap the flow too.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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