In the present paper, we report high-fidelity CFD simulation of plume dynamics of a pulse detonation engine (PDE) by using modern parallel computer architecture. The two-dimensional axisymmetric Euler equations for reacting flows are solved by the Space-Time CESE method. A one-step global reaction is employed to model chemical reactions of a propane/air mixture. Computational domain includes the interior of the detonation tube and the aft quadrants of the PDE up to 12 feet in the axial direction and 4.5 feet in the radial direction. Numerical results of averaged pressures oscillation and the wave speeds compare well with the experimental data. For the required numerical resolution, we used a Beowulf cluster with the channel bonding. Our experience in using the system is summarized in the present paper.
Pulse Detonation EngineRecently, Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] has attracted significant attention in propulsion research and development community. The PDE concept has the potential to improve vehicle performance and cost effectiveness over traditional air breathing propulsion devices for certain fly regimes. Figure 1.1 is a schematic of a typical PDE cycle of fueling, detonation initiation, and detonation blow down. Due to strong wave motions, acoustics has been a concern. In this paper, we used the Space-Time Conservation Element and Solution Element (CESE) method, to calculate the inherent wave motions and unsteady flow fields inside and outside of a PDE.Pulsating jet noises of large amplitudes in both forward and aft quadrants are anticipated in flight tests of a PDE, in which a PDE will be integrated with a testing airplane. The amplitude and the propagation directions of pulsating plumes, and thus the resultant pressure loading on the fuselage and wings of the airplane, are of concern. The objective of the present paper is to perform highfidelity simulation of plume dynamics, and to assess transient pressure loading in the vicinity of the thruster.The computational problem here is challenging because the background mean flow is highly unsteady and with large vortex structures. Conventionally, computational aero acoustics for propulsion systems are performed in two steps: (1) CFD solutions of the RANS equations for the steady mean flows, and (2) the solution of a linear wave equation for the acoustic distribution.In the present paper, this two-step approach is not applied due to the pulsating nature of the thrust plume. Instead, the highly accurate and efficient CESE method is employed to directly calculate the pulsating plumes for both mean flows and embedded acoustics.
The Model EquationsConsider the following Euler equations, coupled with a species equation: