Study on the Fundamental Technologies of ATREX Engine

This paper reviews the latest studies of the expander cycle Air Turbo Ramjet engine (ATREX) conducted in JAXA. First, a system analysis including the vehicle and trajectory was conducted to optimize the engine cycle and turbo-machine configuration. We selected the precooled turbo-jet cycle for a prototype engine using the near term technologies. Second, a system ground-firing test was conducted to verify a defrosting system for the precooler. Methanol injection with its particles atomization could compensate 80 % of pressure loss caused by the frost. Thirdly, a feasibility of carbon/carbon composites for the engine components was investigated by making complex shapes such as a heat exchanger and a plug nozzle. Basic technologies on the gas leakage, the junction and bonding were also studied. The end of the paper, some basic studies such as wind tunnel tests of a new type air inlet and a plug nozzle are described.