Numerical analysis of flow features and operation characteristics of a rocket-based combined-cycle inlet in ejector mode

A ready-made central strut-based rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) engine was numerically investigated in the ejector mode. The flow features in the RBCC inlet and the matching characteristics between the inlet and the embedded rocket during different flight regimes were examined in detail. It was necessary to perform integrated numerical simulations in the ejector mode within considerable pressure far fields around the inlet/exhaust system. The observed flow features and operation characteristics in the RBCC inlet were strongly correlated with the flight conditions, inlet configuration, and operation of the embedded rocket. It was further found that the integrated function status of multiple factors significantly influenced the performance of the RBCC engine in the ejector mode. The two parameters that macroscopically affected the performance most were the air entrainment mass and the drag of the RBCC inlet. To improve these parameters, it is vital to employ an appropriate design of the RBCC inlet and establish the optimal flight trajectory of the flight vehicle.