Fundamentals of Ramjet Engines

Ramjets are particular devices in which compression takes place by exploiting the kinetic energy of the flow. Through a system of oblique and normal shocks, the flow will be slowed down to subsonic speeds in the combustion chamber, ensuring suitable pressures for the flame anchoring. The flight altitude must guarantee an adequate inlet mass flow rate for the required thrust, and at the same time, it should avoid excessive pressure loads on the wing surfaces. A corridor of flight altitudes according to the Mach number is therefore defined to ensure adequate performance avoiding excessive dynamic loads.