Performance evaluation of a backward-facing H2-fueled supersonic combustion chamber with dual-strut injector: efficiency and shock wave analysis
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Sukanta Roga
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Chinmaya Kale
Abstract
While scramjets offer promising advantages such as reduced mechanical complexity and high thrust-to-weight ratios, their performance is severely constrained by extremely short residence times for fuel-air mixing and combustion. Efficient flame stabilization and rapid mixing remain two of the most critical challenges in this domain. One of the most effective methods to address these challenges involves the use of strut-based fuel injectors, which simultaneously deliver fuel and promote turbulence through shock wave interactions and vortex formation. However, the performance of these injectors depends heavily on their geometric configuration. This current study presents a comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study aimed at evaluating the impact of backward-facing strut injector design parameters, including tip angle, step height, and spacing, on shock wave structure, mixing efficiency, and combustion characteristics in a scramjet combustor operating at Mach 2.5 with hydrogen fuel. The simulations are conducted using ANSYS Fluent with a density-based solver, incorporating the SST k–ω turbulence model and a Finite-Rate Eddy-Dissipation (FRED) chemical reaction model. High combustion efficiency was observed, increasing from 98.5 % at Mach 2–99.9 % at Mach 3.
Acknowledgments
The author expresses his sincere gratitude to the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: The authors have accepted equal responsibilities for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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