A brief review on the advances of passive strut combustors

Abstract

Scramjet engines stand as pivotal components of high-speed flight, particularly in demanding hypersonic speeds. Unlike conventional jet engines, scramjets utilize supersonic air for compression and combustion. Achieving effective mixing of fuel and air, is fundamental for optimal combustion. However, it becomes a challenging endeavor due to the limited interaction time. The significance of efficient mixing becomes paramount in scramjet technology, as incomplete combustion due to inadequate mixing undermines engine efficiency. This challenge becomes particularly important in hypersonic conditions where time for interaction is restricted. Consequently, researchers are diligently exploring inventive methodologies to elevate mixing, a crucial factor for increasing combustion efficiency. One of the methods to enhance the mixing is by employing passive struts. Strut-based combustors are a type of intrusive method that enhances mixing and combustion efficiency at the cost of total pressure loss. This paper provides a brief yet comprehensive overview of the ongoing developments in the passive struts used for the scramjet.