Development of a Scramjet/Ramjet Heat Exchanger Analysis Tool (SRHEAT)

Abstract

A Scramjet/Ramjet Heat Exchanger Analysis Tool (SRHEAT) has been developed for rapid analyses of complex thermal cooling systems. Thermal management is critical to the development of dual-mode scramjets for hypersonic aerospace propulsion, which have high thermal loading with limited availability of heat sink sources. It is necessary that rapid trade studies of the thermal management system be accomplished to optimize the system for weight and cooling efficiency. To meet this need, SPIRITECH has developed a scramjet/ramjet heat exchanger design and optimization tool that performs a thermal analysis of the heat exchanger, assesses its structural strength, and optimizes the heat exchanger design to minimize the cooling flow requirement and the heat exchanger weight. Radiation, conduction, and convection are all included to accurately model this complex aero/thermal system. The user can select the coolant/fuel from various jet fuels (with endothermic properties) or common combustible fluids (H2 & CH4). In addition, the option for several high temperature materials are included. The code is packaged with a userfriendly interface to simplify its use within large trade studies. The detailed heat exchanger design features included in the code (i.e. geometry, material properties, fuel/coolant properties, etc.) make SRHEAT a valuable tool in scramjet and hypersonic vehicle development, providing the low cost analytical capabilities that make possible the efficient development of aerospace components.