Air augmented conventional rocket engines

Abstract

An analytical study was conducted to assess and estimate the level of effectiveness of an ejector/rocket or rocket engine nozzle after-burning concept for enhancement of a conventional rocket engine. Performance enhancement and thrust augmentation of an ejector/rocket system were evaluated for a National (or Advanced) Launch System (LNS or ALS) type engine, namely the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME), and its effects on the overall vehicle/propulsion system as payload weight, gross lift-off weight, and propellant weight. The focus was on using a fixed geometry ejector and utilizing the otherwise wasted exhaust excess fuel of rocket engines and burning it with injested atmospheric air to produce additional thrust. Limited analyses were also performed to determine the effect of burning additional injected fuel with the secondary air on thrust augmentation.