Uninstalled Performance Predictions of a Magnesium-Fueled Ramjet Cycle in Carbon Dioxide Atmospheres

Abstract

Evaluation of alternative propulsion cycles for planetary space exploration applications is motivated by ongoing emphasis of robotic science and human exploration missions and concepts. Atmosphere-breathing propulsion systems operating on their own or in a combined cycle with other engines offer the potential to increase overall propulsion efficiency and reduce the amount of propellant that must be carried on board the vehicle. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the idealized uninstalled performance characteristics of metal-fueled ramjet systems operating in carbon dioxide atmospheres. Physics-based predictions are presented for critical and a range of supercritical conditions of the propulsion cycle.