THIS paper discusses the modern concept of afterburner design, breaking down the various major components and treating, as fully as allowable under secrecy imposition, the problems confronting the design engineer.
Because an afterburner must provide short bursts of speed during take-off, climb, and combat maneuvering, without affecting the normal operation of the main turbojet engine, it is necessarily very complex. Essentially, it is a complete engine attached to the exhaust of the turbojet engine. By burning additional fuel in a specially designed tailpipe, the afterburner raises the temperature of the jet gases after they leave the turbine.
Early designs are evaluated, with advantages and disadvantages pointed out. Actuator power sources are dealt with and suggestions given for future development.
Comparisons are drawn between the nonafter-burning jet engine and that incorporating an afterburner.
Where secrecy imposition makes specific discussion impossible, a general introduction to the subject is attempted.