Ramjet Performance Primer

1. Introduction


2. A Brief History of Ramjets

Most of the available literature on ramjets is dated. It appears that there was great interest and research during the 1930's through the 1950's but then research tapered off to supporting specific applications. As with most achievements, anything that was demonstrated 50 years ago can surely be done better and easier today. The references here are intended to put the performance measures below into historical perspective.


3. Ramjet Performance Measures

Velocity:

Specific Impulse:

Thrust:

Altitude:

Weight:

Cost:

Development Time:


4. Ramjet Performance Improvement Potential

During the past couple of decades there has been some research into ejector ramjets, combined cycle (rocket, ramjet, scramjet) engines, and pure scramjets. There is some ongoing development of military ramjets but the only associated research is specific to the designs under development. Overall, ramjets seem to be passe' within the research community even though there are so many questions begging answers. Below are some research activities that could extend the performance of ramjets well beyond that which has already been demonstrated.


5. Summary


Written by Glenn Olson, glenn.olson@alt-accel.com
Last Update/Change November 2, 2005