Numerical investigation of the distributed combustion in the thermal choked solid fuel combined cycle engine

In this study, a solid fuel combined cycle engine concept based on the distributed combustion and the self-adaptive thermal choking is proposed, which can operate effectively within a wide Mach number range. By regulating the heat release through the distributed fuel injection, the thermal choking can be formed in the fixed geometry combustor. The air intake controls the flow capture and circulation area through the movement of its head cone, ensuring stable air breathing over a wide range. Numerical simulations conducted under Ma = 3.0 and 6.0 conditions using the validated Eulerian-Lagrangian method coupled with gaseous and particle reaction models demonstrate the concept's capability to operate within the Mach number range of 3.0–6.0, delivering improved mixing, combustion, and specific impulse performance.