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1562873 
Journal Article 
Rim-Rotor Rotary Ramjet Engine, Part 2: Quasi-One-Dimensional Aerothermodynamic Design 
Picard, M; Rancourt, D; Plante, JS; Brouillette, M 
2012 
Yes 
Journal of Propulsion and Power
ISSN: 0748-4658 
28 
6 
1304-1314 
WOS:000311132400016 
The rim-rotor rotary ramjet engine is a new propulsion system design with the potential to significantly improve power density and reduce complexity
over conventional gas turbines, thus making it an interesting alternative for future
transportation and stationary power systems. This paper presents a quasi-one-dimensional
aerothermodynamic design model, taking into account the dominant physics of the rim-rotor rotary
ramjet engine: 1) shock-wave compression, 2) high-g field combustion, 3) viscous losses, 4) heat
transfer, 5) inlet and outlet periodic condition, and 6) windage losses. It is shown that high
flame velocity due to buoyant forces leads to a very compact combustion chamber and possibly very
low nitrogen oxides. A 500 kW rim-rotor rotary-ramjet-engine version is designed with the model
and could produce 7.6 kW/kg at a tangential velocity of 1000 m/s, which is more than twice the
actual gas-turbine power density. A proof-of-concept prototype is tested at low speed (similar to
Mach 1), and shows good agreement with the model for both indicated power without combustion and
windage losses. Combustion efficiency is measured to over 85% at 220,000g. These results confirm
the design model capabilities, at least within the range of tested Mach numbers.