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Modes 1 and 4 Testing of an Axisymmetric GTX RBCC EngineUnder sponsorship of the NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC), the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) designed and built a five-inch diameter, Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine to investigate mode 1 and mode 4 performance. This engine was designed so that engine area and length ratios were similar to the NASA GRC GTX engine. Unlike the GTX semi-circular engine design, the APL engine is completely axisymmetric. For this design, a traditional rocket thruster was installed inside of the scramjet flowpath, along the engine centerline. A three part test series is currently underway to determine mode 1 and mode 4 engine performance and compare those results to the rocket thruster operating by itself. All tests are to be conducted in APL's Cell 2 Freejet Engine Facility. Testing of the rocket thruster alone has been accomplished and its performance determined (average Isp efficiency = 90%). Mode 1 (air-augmented rocket) testing is to be conducted at various chamber pressure-to-ambient pressure ratios with the engine inlet fully open. Mode 4 (vacuum rocket) testing is to be conducted with chamber pressure-to-ambient pressure ratios greater than 600 with the inlet fully closed to simulate high-altitude flight conditions. The engine is currently installed in Cell 2 and awaiting testing. This paper discusses the engine design and details the results of the rocket-only testing. Comparisons to previous tests and projected mode 1 and mode 4 test conditions are also discussed.
Document ID
20020073116
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rice, Tharen
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Laurel, MD United States)
Smith, Timothy D.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: 26th JANNAF Airbreathing Propulsion Subcommittee Meeting
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG3-2333
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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