Numerical Investigations Of Pulse Detonation Wave Engines
Abstract
In this paper, we describe the performance of an airbreathing Pulse Detonation Wave Engine (PDWE) applicable in the Mach number range of 0 to 3. The geometry of this engine naturally provides for integration into a new combined cycle engine with ramjets. The PDWE is an intermittent combustion jet engine that harnesses travelling detonation waves to accomplish compression and chemical reaction Through the controlled use of strong gasdynamic waves the engine can be configured to provide both engine aspiration and relatively high charge compression. These characteristics result in thrust density, specific impulse, and static thrust that could provide a cost effective competitor for the turbojet engine. This article describes the numerical approach that has been developed to simulate the unsteady operation of PDWEs Performance results are reported for cycles of operation when start-up transients have ceased. Thus, in contrast to previous performance analyses, the effects of fresh charge momentum and finite fresh charge fraction are considered.
Recommended Citation
Sterling, J., Ghorbanian, K., Humphrey, J., Sobota, T., & Pratt, D. (1995). Numerical Investigations Of Pulse Detonation Wave Engines. 31st Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2514/6.1995-2479
Department(s)
Business and Information Technology
Second Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 1995
