Abstract 1. The method of operating a ram air reaction propulsion system comprising: directing a fuel capable of endothermically dissociating at temperatures between about 200* to 2,000* F. into indirect heat exchange between the inlet ram air of the system and said fuel to bring about the endothermic dissociation of at least a portion of the fuel by the transfer, prior to mechanical compression of the ram air, of a portion of the heat energy from the ram air of the system to the fuel prior to combustion of the fuel in the ram air; utilizing a portion of the ram air heated fuel to mechanically compress the fuel cooled ram air; burning the fuel exhausting from said further air compressing step in the said further compressed air; and thereafter expanding the combustion products through an outlet nozzle of the system.
The method of operating a ram air reaction propulsion system comprising: directing a fuel capable of endothermically dissociating at temperatures between about 200* to 2,000* F. into indirect heat exchange between the inlet ram air of the system and said fuel to bring about the endothermic dissociation of at least a portion of the fuel by the transfer, prior to mechanical compression of the ram air of a portion of the heat energy from the ram air of the system to the fuel prior to combustion of the fuel in the ram air; utilizing a portion of the ram air heated fuel to mechanically compress the fuel cooled ram air; burning the fuel exhausting from said further air compressing step in the said further compressed air; and thereafter expanding the combustion products through an outlet nozzle of the system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
139 words
The method of operating a ram air reaction propulsion system comprising: directing a fuel capable of endothermically dissociating at temperatures between about 200* to 2,000* F. into indirect heat exchange between the inlet ram air of the system and said fuel to bring about the endothermic dissociation of at least a portion of the fuel by the transfer, prior to mechanical compression of the ram air of a portion of the heat energy from the ram air of the system to the fuel prior to combustion of the fuel in the ram air; utilizing a portion of the ram air heated fuel to mechanically compress the fuel cooled ram air; burning the fuel exhausting from said further air compressing step in the said further compressed air; and thereafter expanding the combustion products through an outlet nozzle of the system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the ram air is further compressed by expanding the ram air heated fuel across a turbine of a turbocompressor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention defined in claim 2 wherein the fuel is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol and cyclohexane.