Innovative approaches to fuel-air mixing and combustion in airbreathing hypersonic engines

Abstract

This paper describes some innovative methods for achieving enhanced fuel-air mixing and combustion in Scramjet-Iike spaceplane engines. A multimodal approach to the problem is discussed; this involves using several concurrent methods of forced mixing. The paper concentrates on Electromagnetic Activation (EMA) and Electrostatic Attraction as suitable techniques for this purpose - although several other potential methods are also discussed. Previously published empirical data is used to draw conclusions about the likely effectiveness of the system and possible engine topologies are outlined.