PDE: about detonation and PDE
A detonation phenomenon is the interaction between a front-running shock
wave and subsequent coupled combustion, generating a high pressure and
temperature which is basically uncontrollable in comparison with
conventional flames. The direction of research has mostly been prevention
of or protection from hazard.
| For several years , however, there has been
a trend to control detonation propagation, and to utilize its high power
and high-density energy in positive directions like pulse detonation
engine (PDE). |
PDRE of ASI: Aviation Week and Space Technology, July
2000. |
PDE represents a concept which has the
potential of providing improvements in the ratio of performance to price over
conventional air breathing propulsion devices.
The operational principle of PDE can be explained briefly in the following.
As a simplest example, a rocket-engine-type PDE operation of cylindrical shape is
considered. The cycle operation of PDE consists of the three phases
which are combustion, exhaustion and fuel supply.
A mixture of hydrogen fuel and oxygen is supplied into
PDE, followed by the ignition of mixture by an igniter placed
over the closed upstream end. The combustion wave is acelerated to a
detonation and propagates downstream in PDE.
Thereafter, the detonation wave is emitted from PDE exit,
with the burnt gas being exhausted.
By repeating such four phases, PDE generates thrust.
prev.
