A review of air-fuel mixing and alternative methods in scramjets and scramjet-like engines

This paper reviews work on two aspects of scramjet and similar ducted hypersonic propulsion. The first of these is air-fuel mixing techniques - the problem of mixing is considered the most intractable in scramjet design. The second aspect is the use of innovative techniques to supplement mixing or provide an alternative to combustion altogether. The paper outlines the mixing problem and reviews both classic treatments and newer, more innovative, work. In the light of this it also outlines conclusions and points out gaps in current knowledge and areas where more research is needed.