Integrated Rocket Ramjet

To design an integrated rocket ramjet. The emphasis on designing a unique nosecone to function dually as an inlet for the ramjet, as well as a removable diaphragm between the ramjet engine and the solid rocket propellant.

Background
Currently there are two options for a ramjet engine to function. ONE: Requires the use of a jet to obtain the proper speed and altitude to meet the design requirements for the ramjet to function. TWO: The ramjet is attached to a booster rocket, which will fall off once the design requirements are meet. We will be creating a third approach that will allow for ramjet flight.

Deliverables
The deliverables for this project include; a detailed design for an adjustable nosecone and diaphragm that utilizes aerodynamics, a quarter cut out model showing the functionality of the integrated ramjet, and a working model of the rocket that can be used for future testing.

Concept and Design
To get the Ramjet to its ideal flight path, solid rocket propellant is stored in the ramjet’s combustion chamber and functions initially as a rocket booster. During this stage the nose cone to the ramjet engine will remain shut and a diaphragm will be in place to block any solid propellant from getting into the rest of the engine (this can be seen in the first image below).

Once the solid propellant is burnt, the nose cone and diaphragm open up allowing the ramjet to begin operation. This part of the design is important because it allows for the whole body to become the ramjet, and does not require the rocket portion to drop off. Instead the space where the solid rocket propellant was stored is now the combustion chamber for the ramjet. The ramjet then takes over for the rest of the flight, operating at its design conditions (this can be seen in the second image below).

Document Archive
[[Media: Meeting_Minutes2.0.pdf|Meeting Minutes]]