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Future of Propulsion | |
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There is continuing research into the design of more efficient engines that use less fuel and generate higher thrust per weight. New material designs that allow higher inlet temperatures. Improvements of the inlets, compressors, turbines and nozzles are ongoing. A relatively new area, active control theory, is showing promising results. In an active control system, computer chips monitor the conditions throughout the engine. the computer may change the fuel and air ratio in the combustor slightly for a better burn, or it might change the shape of either the inlet or the exit nozzle slightly to improve the aerodynamics. Supersonic and hypersonic engine design is particularly challenging. Today's airplanes, especially military, must fly in many different conditions: subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic. Hybrid (mixed) combinations of the turbojet, ramjet and rocket engines are the focus of study these days. Several are in the design stage, now.
Whether the goal is to improve existing engines for the world's
transportation needs, or designing the engines for future supersonic and
hypersonic aircraft, there is plenty of room for more engineers and more
ideas. There are many challenges out there!
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