International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 04 | Apr 2023
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Propulsion System in Hypersonic Spacecraft Rocket: A Review of Recent Development and Future Prospects Mukul Waykul1 1Student, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Ram Maghe Institute of Technology & Research Badnera,
Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Hypersonic spacecraft propulsion is an area of
continued in the 1960s with the launch of the first space launch vehicle that carried astronauts and cosmonauts into space. In recent times, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made significant progress in developing supersonic propulsion technology such as ramjet and scramjet engines.
active research due to its potential to revolutionize space travel. Hypersonic vehicles can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, which could drastically reduce travel times to and from space. However, achieving hypersonic speeds presents numerous engineering challenges, particularly in the design and development of propulsion systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current research on hypersonic spacecraft propulsion, focusing on the various propulsion technologies being developed and the challenges associated with each. Additionally, future directions for research in this area are discussed, including the potential for new propulsion technologies to enable even faster and more efficient hypersonic travel.
The design and development of hypersonic vehicles require consideration of several challenges, including lift to drag ratio, which affects the aerodynamic efficiency under given flight conditions. The US Air Force initiated the Dyna-Soar program in 1957 to address the low lift to drag ratio, which limited the flexibility of the mission profile. Recent research in hypersonic technology aims to develop more flexible and efficient designs that can accomplish space missions more readily.
Key Words: Hypersonic propulsion, Fuels, Hypersonic vehicle, Propulsion system. Turbojet, Ramjet, Scramjet. Airbreathing engine. Specific impulse.
This review paper discusses the historical background, recent progress, and challenges in the design and development of hypersonic vehicles. The paper will focus on various aspects such as the engine types, design challenges, and lack of research challenges, along with the progress made by the aviation.
1.INTRODUCTION In the aviation industry, larger aircraft manufacturers have shifted their focus towards developing more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly designs that are also cheaper to produce. However, achieving these goals requires addressing several aspects that are essential for efficient and affordable designs. The design and development of hypersonic vehicles pose many challenges, including the need to travel beyond a Mach 5 and the capability to transport passengers or cargo from one destination to another in a significantly shorter time than conventional aircraft.
2. Brief History Hypersonic propulsion has been a topic of significant interest in the aerospace industry for several decades, as researchers and engineers continue to explore the possibilities of supersonic and hypersonic flight. Early experiments in the early 20th century paved the way for the development of rocket engines in the 1940s, which could propel aircraft to hypersonic speeds. This led to the creation of experimental planes like the X-15, which set several speed records in the 1960s.
The use of hypersonic vehicles has both commercial and space applications. In commercial aviation, hypersonic vehicles offer faster and more efficient travel between long distances, with a Tokyo to Los Angeles journey taking only 110 minutes. In the space industry, hypersonic vehicles have revolutionized space launches by offering cost-effective and more efficient access to orbit without the need for expendable launch vehicles.
In the 1950s, ramjet engines were developed that could sustain supersonic and hypersonic speeds without the need for onboard oxygen. This technology was later integrated into missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The 1990s saw the first successful test of a scramjet engine, which compresses and ignites air moving at hypersonic speeds and operates at even higher speeds than ramjet engines.
The history of hypersonic vehicles dates back to the mid20th century when Dr. Walter Dornberger, a key figure in World War II rocket programs, initiated research and development in high-speed and long-range missiles during the Cold War. The development of hypersonic vehicles
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Hypersonic propulsion has significant potential to revolutionize air travel by substantially reducing travel times. Therefore, several countries, including the United
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