Using exergy for performance evaluation of a conceptual ramjet engine burning hydrogen fuel

Abstract

Ramjet engines are widely-used devices in the defence industry and have military applications. These engine types, preferred in many fields, are known to act according to the laws of thermodynamics. For this reason, exergy analysis methodology is a beneficial tool for assessing the performance of a ramjet engine, as well as other energy conversion systems. The present study aims to introduce a performance analysis of a hydrogen fueled ramjet engine within the framework of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. At the end of the study, the exergy efficiencies of inlet, combustion zone and nozzle are found to be 3.88%, 7.62%, and 0.03%, respectively, whereas the exergy efficiency of a ramjet engine is 8.85%. The introduced methodology and the results obtained from the current study may be useful for anybody who is interested in thermal sciences and aero-propulsion technologies.