Precooling technology study of hypersonic aeroengine

Hypersonic engine is a key component for hypersonic vehicle to achieve horizontal takeoff and landing, as well as the reusability, consequently, it reduces the launching costs greatly. So far, there are still many serious problems that the hypersonic engine has to face, while, precooling is considered to be an important technology which can solve some of them. This paper reviews and analyzes the existing precooling engines worldwide and summarizes the research progresses of a hypersonic precooling aeroengine, which is the most advanced project. The paper also introduces domestic research on the compact precooler, the core component of hypersonic precooling aeroengine, which includes the microscale conjugate heat transfer mechanism and simulation, as well as heat exchanger design and processing technology. All the researches indicate that the hypersonic precooling aeroengine is a generic technology with great potential advantages and perspectiveness, which is expected to be the most applicable hypersonic propulsion technology in the future. Evidently, it is worthy of attention and further study.