Research on an optimization design method for a TBCC propulsion scheme

Abstract An optimization methodology for a TBCC propulsion schemes was established for hypersonic vehicles, focusing on the integration of aircraft and engine performance. Altitude-velocity characteristics of TBCC propulsion were obtained through engine performance calculations. By analyzing mission requirements, lift-drag characteristics, and flight constraints, the take-off thrust-weight ratio and wing load of the vehicle were optimized to meet the flight conditions. In addition, the fuel ratio was calculated. To determine the vehicle’s gross take-off weight and the engine’s take-off thrust, a model considering the weight of the vehicle and the turbine engine were used. The optimization process selects four thermodynamic cycle parameters for the turbine engine as the independent variables. An improved particle swarm optimization-back propagation neural network was used to establish the relationship between the four parameters and the gross take-off weight, aiming to minimize the vehicle’s weight. The results of the optimization process show that the total take-off weight of the optimized vehicle has decreased from 112363.41 kg to 102218.98 kg. The required uninstalled take-off thrust of TBCC has also been reduced from 162.86 kN to 147.49 kN, resulting in a decrease in mass flow from 156.50 kg/s to 133.30 kg/s.