Limiting Contractions for Starting Simple Ramp-Type Scramjet Intakes with Overboard Spillage

Abstract

A method for obtaining the limiting contraction for supersonic intake-starting via overboard spillage is demonstrated for a simple ramp-type intake family. The strong-shock design principle is proposed on the basis of comparison of the limiting contraction line with the Kantrowitz (self-starting) lines of a few particular ramp intakes. Predicted starting characteristics compare favorably with two-dimensional inviscid numerical simulations.