Analytical and Numerical Feasibility Analysis of a Contra-Rotary Ramjet Engine

Abstract

A new idea for a contra-rotary ramjet engine is presented. To define the theoretical limits of the non-typical, contra-rotary ramjet engine configuration, its analytical model was developed. The results obtained from that model and the analytical results were compared with those received from numerical simulations. The main weakness of existing rotary ramjet engine projects is the very high rotational speed of the rotor required for achieving supersonic inlet flow. In this paper, a new idea for a contra-rotary ramjet engine (CORRE) is presented and analyzed. This paper presents the results of analytical analysis and numerical simulations of a jet engine system with two rotors rotating in opposite directions. Contra-rotating rotors generate a supersonic air velocity at the inlet to the compressor at two times slower rotor’s speed. To determine the flow characteristics, combustion process, and engine efficiency of the double-rotor engine, a numerical solution of the average Navier-Stokes equations was used with the k-eps turbulence model and the non-premixed combustion model. The results of numerical simulations of flow and the combustion process inside the contra-rotary jet engine achieving a shockwave compression are shown and compared with similar data for a single-rotor engine design and analytical data. This paper presents only the calculation results of the flow processes and the combustion process, indicating the advantages of the proposed double-rotor design. The results of the numerical analysis were presented on the contours and diagrams of the pressure and flow velocity, temperature distribution, and mass fraction of the fuel.