Hypersonic Propulsion

limitations and alternatives

Abstract

The operating principles of scramjet technology and their applications to hypersonic transport for flight in the stratosphere and access to space are described. The advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen as a fuel are compared to hydrocarbons. Problems related to thermal protection, fuel-air mixture and flame stabilization are discussed. Finally, alternatives for solving these problems are presented.

Key-words: Hypersonic Flight; Hydrogen; Access to space.