Ramjets
Presented by:
Bishnu Dumre(077BME017)
Cyril Shahi(077BME018)
Dewan Lama(077BME019)
INTRODUCTION
• Ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that propel aircraft at
high speeds.
• Ramjets rely on the forward motion of the aircraft to compress
air using ram effect.
• It has no moving parts.
• Works in 3<Mach<6
What is Ram effect ?
Components
1. Diffuser: Captures and slows down
incoming air, converting its kinetic energy
into pressure.
2. Combustion Chamber : It is where the air-
fuel mixture ignites and undergoes
combustion.
3. Nozzle: Accelerates the high-pressure, high-
temperature exhaust gases to produce thrust.
Working Principle
• Air intake-Compression: High-speed air enters through the intake. Air
is compressed by the forward motion of the engine due to ram effect,
and aerodynamically designed inner body. Thus, compression occurs
without any mechanical compressors.
Contd…
• Combustion: Fuel is injected and mixed with the compressed air. The
air-fuel mixture is ignited which produces high-pressure, high-
temperature gases. Includes flame holders to stabilize combustion
process by creating turbulence and recirculation zones.
• Exhaust: The gases are expelled through the nozzle. The expanding
gases produce thrust. Typically consists a convergent-divergent (CD)
nozzle to optimize thrust by accelerating exhaust gases to supersonic
speeds.
Classification of Ramjet
Based on fuel type:
• Solid-Fuel Ramjets (SFRJ): Utilizes a solid propellant that burns to
produce the high-temperature, high-pressure gases. They are simple,
reliable and quite stable than liquid fuels.
• Liquid-Fuel Ramjet(LFRJ) : Uses liquid propellant which is injected
into the combustion chamber and mixed with incoming air. They are
quite complex but offer precise throttle control.
Contd…
Based on booster mechanism:
• Integral Rocket-Ramjet (IRR): Equipped with an initial booster
(e.g., rocket booster) to reach the speeds necessary for ramjet
operation.
• Standalone Ramjet: Designed to be launched at the operational
speed. It requires an external boost, such as being launched from an
aircraft.
Contd…
Based on operational speed:
• Subsonic Ramjets: Operate below Mach 1. Have limited practical use
as they are inefficient at lower speeds.
• Supersonic Ramjets: Efficiently operate at speeds ranging from Mach
3 to Mach 6. Typical operational range for most ramjets.
• Hypersonic Ramjets (Scramjets): Variation of ramjet designed to
operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 6), where airflow
remains supersonic throughout the entire process.
Ramjet Vs Other Jet Engines
Turbojet Ramjet Scramjet
Mechanical parts to Ram effect to compress Ram effect to compress
compress air. air. air.
Air-intake, compressor, Air-intake, combustion Air-intake, combustion
combustion chamber, chamber, nozzle chamber, nozzle
a a
turbine, nozzle.
Operates at high Operates at hypersonic
Operates at subsonic to
supersonic speeds, from speeds, higher than
supersonic speeds, upto
Mach 3 to 6. Mach 6
Mach 2.
Simpler design due to no More complex due to
Quite complex due to
moving parts. supersonic combustion
moving parts. requirements
Advantages
• Simple construction: It lacks rotating machinery, making it simpler
and cheaper to build.
• High speed efficiency: Ramjets are most efficient at supersonic
speeds (Mach 3 to 6), making them ideal for high-speed applications.
• High Thrust-to-weight ratio: They have high thrust per unit weight,
making them effective for accelerating to high speeds.
• Minimal moving parts: Reduces mechanical complexity and
maintenance needs.
• Fuel flexibility: Not very sensitive to fuel quality.
Disadvantages
• Requires high initial speed: Needs a booster to reach operational
speeds.
• Inefficient at low speeds: Ramjets do not have moving parts like
compressors to intake air at low speeds, so are unsuitable for subsonic
flight.
• Low thermal efficiency: High-speed airflow leads to less efficient
combustion and higher fuel consumption compared to other jet
engines.
• Altitude limitations: Requires atmospheric oxygen to operate, limiting
its use with decreasing atmosphere’s density.
Applications
• Missiles: Ideal for supersonic missile propulsion.eg. Brahmos missile.
• Supersonic Aircrafts: Used for making experimental aircrafts and
sustained supersonic flight applications.
• Space launch Vehicles: Initial phase propulsion for space vehicles
before transitioning to rocket engines.
• Reconnaissance Drones: UAVs, High-speed reconnaissance and
surveillance drones.
BrahMos missile Nord 1500 Griffon
Hiller YH-32 Hornet Lockheed D-21
THANK YOU !!
