P372 Jet Propulsion Test Stand

Pulsejet Engine
• The versatility of the Hilton Ramjet Test Rig is increased with the use of a Pulsejet Engine. Like the Ramjet the Pulsejet engine is manufactured from heat resistance materials.
• The Pulsejet, which operates over the entire range of the Ramjet simulated flight speeds, allows students to explore the characteristics of a device capable of generating static thrust. Students will discover the essential differences between the performance of the Pulsejet and the Ramjet. The former exhibits characteristics favoring low speed operation whilst the latter is at its best at high flight speeds. The Pulsejet also illustrates, very simply, the benefit that can be derived from pressure waves in some thermal power units; the Pulsejet depends for its operation upon wave action and incorporates a unique valve system with no moving parts.
• The Pulsejet engine may be operated on the Jet Propulsion Test Stand P372 in place of the Ramjet engine.
• Instrumentation, safety devices and controls are provided by the Jet Propulsion Test Stand P372.

• For operation the ramjet requires incoming air to have a significant approach velocity in order to maintain combustion. The forward speed is simulated by a single stage blower delivering air through a 76mm diameter nozzle mounted 200mm in front of the air intake. The use of gaseous fuel makes a low operating speed and therefore a moderate air supply requirement well within the reach of any engineering laboratory.
• The ramjet engine is fabricated from a heat resistant alloy and requires no maintenance even after many years of operation.
• Propane a fuel particularly suited for laboratory use is fed to the engine by its own vapour pressure and is controlled by a single valve. An ignition system ignites the fuel/air mixture at the commencement of operation. Fuel gas flows into the engine through a purpose designed manifold and is measured using a gas flow meter. A unique flame holding baffle serves to create local turbulence and retains the combustion flame within the chamber allowing operation over a wide range of approach velocities.
• The engine is mounted on a damped linkage and is free to move between two stops along the axis of airflow. Loads are applied by two direct reading balances to match either thrust or drag so that the position of the ramjet is kept constant relative to the air supply nozzle.
• A water cooled pitot-static tube allows the pressure distribution through the engine to be examined at various operating conditions
• The ramjet engine simulates the basic principles of all gas turbine engines but with no moving parts. Operation of the unit is simple and students are able to cover a wide range of experiments in a short time period.