A difference-fractional FOM decision method for down-selection of hypersonic compression system configurations

A linear, multi-variable decision method called DF-APSO (difference-fractional actual, perfect, scaled, optimized) figure of merit is proposed for quantitative down-selection of comparative aerothermodynamic configurations of highly-integrated hypersonic compression system. It uses non-dimensional fractions of difference parameters to yield scaled figures-of-merit. A total of five unique configurations, for a mixed internal–external compression system, are studied by using their respective aerothermodynamic parameters of systemʼs performance. The results obtained by this method quantitatively agree with the order-of-merit solution obtained from weighted matrix method. Sensitivity analysis also demonstrates robustness and stability of the method.