Design and CFD Analysis of Valves- Pulse Jet Engine

Abstract

Pulse jets are considered one of the simplest aerospace propulsions systems to produce. The basic operation starts when a fuel, air mixture is introduced to the combustion chamber, an igniter combusts the air/fuel mixture which creates a rise in pressure. While the pulse jet may be inefficient, these engines can run on many different fuels. This has generated recent interest in this engine in search for alternatives to current propulsion systems. Some research has been run to increase efficiency by installing features such as flame holders in the engine for higher combustion efficiency, or by injecting water for increased compression. The pulse jet is designed with a valved type and use propane as fuel. This project is aimed at comparing 3 valves, Ram intake, pyramid valve and solenoid valve. A Combustion Analysis of these three systems are analyzed using Ansys for the CFD simulation. pulse jets have been a staple of simple, low-cost jet propulsion. Due to its low efficiency, pulse jets were phased out with the introduction of modern rocket and turbojet engines, but the fascination of their simplicity has kept enthusiasts hooked on developing new designs and uses for recreation. Improvement of valved pulsejets and create a unique design. The purpose of this paper is to outline a design and execute an original one-way valve system for the intake of a pulse jet. Three different valves, Ram, Pyramid and solenoid are designed using solid works. The CFD analysis revealed that the highest temperature was achieved by Pyramidal Valve, followed by Ram Valve and the lowest temperature was achieved in the Solenoid Valve. Velocity wise, the Ram was the best, followed by Pyramidal and Solenoid Valves. However, pulse jet engine with pyramid valve has the highest mass fraction of carbon dioxide as a product.