Pulse detonation engines: Technical approaches

High resolution numerical simulation of triple point collision and origin of unburned gas pockets in turbulent detonations

“…The very rapid energy conversion associated with detonation combustion can lead to more compact and efficient propulsion system designs relative to conventional systems presently in service. Recent interest in pulse detonation engines (PDEs) has resulted in several experimental and theoretical studies related to realizing multicycle detonations in tubes that simulate engine operating conditions [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. These studies make a clear case that pulse detonation engines provide the potential for higher specific impulse, reduced complexity, and lower operational costs as compared to current gas turbine technology.…”

Pulse Detonation Assessment for Alternative Fuels

“…[13][14][15] High specific impulse compared with ramjet under similar operating conditions. [13] Simple in manufacture and operation, less moving parts, low cost, high range flight Mach numbers, weight reduction, and more compact. [14,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] High thermodynamic cycle efficiency, operation stability, and reliability.…”

“…Due to the rapidity of the process, there is not enough time for pressure equilibration, and the overall process is thermodynamically closer to a constant volume process than to the constant pressure process typical of conventional propulsion systems [39]. The thermodynamic efficiency of Chapmen-Jouget detonation has minimum entropy generation along the Hugoniot curve as compared to other combustion modes, which appear to have a potential thermodynamic advantage [13,40]. In general, the Humphrey cycle consists of four processes.…”

Mars transportation vehicle concept

“…Turbojet could be more efficient, but presence of oxide particles in exhaust gases could lead to particulate phase deposition and damaging the turbine blades. Pulse detonation engines [4,5] could be used much more successfully as they do not need turbines and provide higher specific impulse. However, periodical detonation onset becomes important [6].…”