To investigate the ignition and combustion performance of the magnesium-based powdered fuel ramjet, experiment was conducted on a connected-pipe ramjet test system. A computer code was developed to assist the design of the experimental magnesium-based powdered fuel ramjet. Based upon the results of the parametric studies, an experimental magnesium-based powdered fuel ramjet was designed. The magnesium powder was pneumatically injected with ram-air. The flux of two-phase mixture of solid powder suspended in the carrier air was measured with Coriolis Mass Flow Meter. Both cold-flow evaluation of the fuel feed system and hot-fire engine tests were performed. Ignition was realized successfully with high temperature combustion gas and high energy spark plug. The feasibility of self-sustaining combustion of powdered fuel was demonstrated by introducing different flame holding techniques into combustor. The results predicted by numerical model are in agreement with the observed experimental trends. The multiple start-ups of the engine were also successfully performed using the spark plug as ignition source. Methods for optimizing the combustion characteristic of the magnesium-based powdered fuel ramjet are put forward.
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