Direct Fuel Cooled Composite Structure,
Abstract
One of the more challenging aspects of hypersonic propulsion systems is the development of lightweight structure that can withstand the severe conditions associated with flight up to Mach 8. Currently, the Pratt & Whitney expendable scramjet engine concept utilizes a metallic combustor, based upon high temperature alloys with integral, endothermic fuel cooling. There is the potential for reduction in propulsion system weight and cost, and increase in thermal management margin if these high density metal alloys can be replaced with advanced composite materials. Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and ONERA (Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aerospatiales) are prime contractors in a joint U. S. Air Force (USAF) / French Directeur Generale d'Armements (DGA) sponsored advanced technology demonstration program that combines direct fuel cooling with a hot structure manufactured from advanced composite materials. The four-year Advanced Combustion Chamber Concepts (AC3) Program proposes to combine these two innovative technologies in two proof-of-concept demonstrations. P&W is supported in this program by the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC), and ONERA is supported by SEP (Societie d'Europeenne de Propulsion) Division of SNECMA (Societie National d'Etudes et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation) Corporation. Phase 1 of AC3 will be a sector panel test, while Phase 2 is planned as a fabrication and test of a 2-D scramjet combustor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA373274
Entities
People
- David R. Sobel
- Denis G. Medwick
- Guy Boyet
- Jean-pierre Vidal
- Joaquin H. Castro
Organizations
- Pratt & Whitney