Experimental Study on Closed-Loop Control in a Dual-mode Scramjet Combustor with Kerosene Fuel

Abstract

In experiments on a dual-mode scramjet combustor utilizing kerosene fuel, closed-loop control tests are conducted using the resistance-heated pure air supersonic combustion test equipment with the wall pressure or the pressure ratio as controlled parameters. The results revealed faster response to changes in the kerosene flow rate when controlling the wall pressure downstream of the injection point as compared to the near injection point. The closed-loop control scheme achieved objectives with the error smaller than 2% for various parameters, demonstrating the repeatability and the broad applicability. During the hydrogen-single combustion phase, the combustor operated in the supersonic combustion mode, while during the mixed combustion phase of hydrogen and kerosene, the combustor operated in the subsonic combustion mode. The backpressure caused by combustion affects the isolator inlet, and during the kerosene-single combustion phase, the combustor operates in the subsonic combustion mode.