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.
