Initiation characteristics of rotating supersonic combustion engine

Abstract

A rotating supersonic combustion engine (RSCE) is tested with various initiator tube positions along the combustion chamber to determine its impact on the ignition process. The type of fuel used is methane with oxygen as the oxidizer. The initiation of RSCE is assessed for near-stoichiometric methane-oxygen mixture to slightly rich mixture. Successful initiation of rotating supersonic combustion in the RSCE was obtained when the position of the initiator tube is located higher end of the combustion chamber that indicates a proper mixing of reactants. The mixing of reactants improves further up the annulus chamber of the RSCE.