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Catalytic decomposition of hydrazine and hydrazine blend propellants has been recognized as an efficient means of providing warm gas for direct thrust or auxiliary power in many current and future applications. In most of these applications, the dynamics which relate propellant inlet flow to gas output flow have a significant influence on the overall system design. It therefore becomes essential that these dynamics be predicted and tailored for each system. In general, the approach to date to this problem has been from two extremes: the empirical evaluation of specific configuration and the analytical study of a completely distributed parameter microscopic model. The first approach does not lend itself to tailoring of the reaction chamber for specific systems. The second approach could produce both prediction and tailoring capability if accurate values of reaction and diffusion rates as a function of numerous environmental and geometric parameters were available.

This paper is a survey of the general requirements for the performance and control of supersonic inlets for turbojet or turbofan propulsion systems for the supersonic transport. The first half of the paper discusses the interaction between inlet and engine performance. The effects of pressure recovery, bleed flows, and external drags on the engine thrust and specific fuel consumption are shown for design and off-design operation. The second half of the paper discusses the problem of controlling the inlet, to obtain safe and efficient operation. Possible approaches for simplifying or improving the inlet control system are discussed.