DRDO has successfully demonstrated the Hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) on 07 Sept 2020 from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha. How does a HSTDV work? Its high time we know about it.
Video Credits: Hindustan Times
Lets start with a ramjet, ramjet is an engine which utilises the ram effect (fast approaching) air to compress and generate thrust after combusting the fuel air mixture. A scramjet is similar to ramjet, but with a little difference!
In scramjet the combustion is carried out at supersonic speeds. So what’s the problem in supersonic combustion that seeks special interest?
"So how do you expect the combustion (ignition) to happen at 3705 km/h?"
Video Credits: Mint
What happens when you blow a burning candle? It gets blown out (off) isn’t it? Imagine you are constantly blowing over the tip of the candle, and someone tries to light the candle! What happens? He cannot light the candle.
Engineering has made wonders. Actually combustion is possible at supersonic speeds but it lasts only for seconds! Sustaining a combustion is the actual problem engineers are facing right now. What are the cons of a scramjet engine? What are the problems faced in supersonic combustion?
They cannot get themselves up from ground. i.e. Scram-jet require some assistance in achieving operational speeds. At such high speeds special techniques are required for mixing.
The residence time is too low which makes the supersonic combustion even more difficult. Once these problems are taken care, scramjet can replace solid rocket boosters so that re-usability may increase! Lets see an actual Scramjet rumbling during its test.
Video Credits: UQx Hypers301x Hypersonics
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