RIM-ROTOR ROTARY RAMJET ENGINE (R4E): DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF A PROOF-OF-CONCEPT PROTOTYPE

摘要

The Rim-Rotor Rotary Ramjet Engine (R4E) is a new power generation device using a single rotating disk that could become a low cost alternative to conventional gas turbines under 1 MW by offering potential for twice the power density and comparable efficiency. This paper presents the design and experimental validation of a miniature (~6 cm) proof-of-concept configuration of the R4E designed for a tangential inlet velocity of 560 tn/s (Mach 1.6). A ID structural model is used to size components and a ID generalized flow model combined with numerical analysis of the high-g field combustion chamber is used to design ramjet blades. Three prototypes are tested with different inlet blade angles at rotational speeds up to 188 kRPM corresponding to 527 m/s (Mach 1.5). Mass flow and indicated power without combustion are found to be in line with predictions. Combustion efficiencies from 60 to 85 % are measured under centrifugal accelerations from 79,000 to 689,000 g. Finally, the R4E proof-of-concept demonstrated an indicated power of -150 W at a tangential velocity of 391 m/s (Mach 0.9), proving the technology to be feasible. Although further work is needed to reduce windage losses and provide higher tangential speeds, the results presented here suggest that the R4E should be able to reach a power density of 7 kW/kg with efficiencies over 20 % at about 1000 m/s (Mach 3).