Efficient utilization of heat sink of hydrocarbon fuel for regeneratively cooled scramjet

Heat sink (cooling capacity) of limited hydrocarbon fuel is not rich for the regenerative cooling of scramjet. It is therefore very important to use the heat sink of fuel efficiently. This paper focuses on the effect of operating conditions of cooling system on the heat sink use of hydrocarbon fuel. Considering the coupling among flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction, a one-dimensional model is developed to evaluate the heat sink use of endothermic hydrocarbon fuel. The model is validated by comparing the calculated results with the experimental data measured through an electrical heating flow reactor, in which thermal cracking takes place for n-decane. Using the developed model, the effect of maximum allowable temperature of metal wall material, flow velocity and uneven heat flux distribution of scramjet has been evaluated by simulating some typical operating conditions, and some conclusions are drawn to assist the fundamental understanding of heat sink use of endothermic hydrocarbon fuel. It is believed that the present investigation will provide a useful reference for the design of cooling system of scramjet.

► A model is proposed to evaluate the heat sink use of hydrocarbon fuel for scramjet.
► The model considers the coupling among flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction.
► The validity of the model indicates that it can predict the use of heat sink well.
► The effect of operating conditions of cooling system is evaluated using the model.
► Several conclusions are drawn to guide the design of cooling system of scramjet.