Comparison of a Direct-Connect and Freejet Dual-Mode Scramjet

Testing of identical dual-mode scramjet flowpath geometries in the freejet and direct-connect configurations was conducted in two separate facilities. These tests enabled a comparison study between the two configurations, which was directed toward the determination of the effects of inlet distortion and backpressure on the performance and operability of a dual-mode scramjet. Bulk flow conditions were matched between the two facilities at the isolator entrance plane to simulate Mach 4.8 flight, and a series of metrics were established to quantify similarities and differences. The effects of flowpath backpressure in the direct-connect case were seen to be isolated to regions close to the exhaust. An approximate 10% decrease in combustor pressure rise and consequently integrated pressure force were observed in the freejet configuration; shock train length, however, remained the same. Mode transition was delayed from an equivalence ratio of similar to 0.5 in the direct-connect case to similar to 0.7 in the freejet configuration. Further, ignition difficulties were experienced in the freejet tests which were not encountered in those of direct-connect tests, limiting the scope of comparable test points. This work represents the first attempt at a quantitative comparison in the literature of an identical direct-connect and freejet dual-mode scramjet.