초록 ▼

The invention defines a propulsion system for an underwater vehicle. More particularly, the invention describes a turbo-hydroduct propulsion system which operates on stored, high energy fuel. The fuel is combusted and powers a turbopump which pressurizes ingested water to a very high pressure. The p

The invention defines a propulsion system for an underwater vehicle. More particularly, the invention describes a turbo-hydroduct propulsion system which operates on stored, high energy fuel. The fuel is combusted and powers a turbopump which pressurizes ingested water to a very high pressure. The pressurized water is subsequently exhausted from the vehicle to produce thrust.

대표청구항 ▼

A propulsion system for an underwater vehicle comprising: a propellant storage tank; gas generator means, mounted within said vehicle, for receiving and combustion propellant from said propellant storage tank producing a flow of high temperature pressurized combustion gases; means for extracting ene

A propulsion system for an underwater vehicle comprising: a propellant storage tank; gas generator means, mounted within said vehicle, for receiving and combustion propellant from said propellant storage tank producing a flow of high temperature pressurized combustion gases; means for extracting energy from said flow of combustion gases; high pressure water pump for pressurizing a flow of ingested ambient water to a pressure at least 200 psi greater than ambient water pressure, said pump means powered by said means for extracting energy; primary mixing chamber means for receiving at least a portion of said flow of combustion gases and at least a portion of said flow of pressurized water and for mixing said gases and said pressurized water forming a mixed flow; second mixing chamber means for receiving a diverted portion of said pressurized water and at least a portion of said combustion gases from said gas generator means, and for spraying said diverted water into said combustion gases to cause evaporation of said water thereby producing a mixed gas-steam flow; conduit means for conducting said mixed gas-steam flow from said second mixing chamber means to said means for extracting energy; and nozzle means for receiving said mixed flow from said primary mixing chamber means and for ejecting said mixed flow to ambient to generate thrust.