Pulsed detonation engines

An engine concept that utilizes a more efficient thermodynamic cycle that consumes less fuel, and is simple and capable of operation at both subsonic as well as supersonic speeds, would be an attractive alternative for future propulsion systems. Pulse detonation engines (PDE), in principle, can provide higher efficiency [9], and better performance over a wide range of operating conditions, with fewer moving parts. 

Figure 30.5 Comparison of specific impulse and flight Mach number for hydrogen (1) and hydrocarbons (2). PDE performance estimated using ASI Performance deck turbojet, ramjet, and scramjet performance levels reflect well-designed systems for man-rated thrust classes. TJ — turbojets RJ — ramjets SJ — scramjets PDE — pulse detonation engines PIL — preignition hmit [12]...

Bussing, T., and G. Pappas. 1994. An introduction to pulse detonation engines. AlAA Paper No. 94-0263. 

Kailasanath, K. 1999. A review of research on pulse detonation engines. 17th Colloquium (International) on the Dynamics of Explosions and Reactive Systems Proceedings. Heidelberg, Germany. 

Frolov, S.M., V. Ya. Basevich, A. A. Belyaev, and M. G. Neuhaus. 1999. Application of fuel blends for controlling detonability in pulsed detonation engines. In Gaseous and heterogeneous detonations Science to applications. Eds. G.D. Roy, S.M. Frolov, K. Kailasanath, and N. N. Smirnov. Moscow ENAS Publ. 313-30. 

Li, C., and K. Kailasanath. 2000. Detonation diffraction in pulse detonation engines. AIAA Paper No. 2000-3470. 

There is currently an interest in the development of a viable Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE). This interest stems from the possibility of increased thermodynamic efficiency when combustion occurs as detonation rather than deflagration. The potential exists that PDEs will emerge as a competitive platform for propulsion in the near future. 

Santoro, R., J. Broda, C. Conrad, R. Woodward, S. Pal, and S.-Y. Lee, 1999. Multidisciplinary study of pulse detonation engine propulsion. JANNAF, 36th CS/PSHS/APS Joint Meetings. 

Santoro, R. J., C. Conrad, S.-Y. Lee, and S. Pal. 2001. Fundamental multi-cycle studies of the performance of pulse detonation engines. 15th International Symposium on Air Breathing Engines Proceedings. Bangalore. India. 

INITIATOR DIFFRACTION LIMITS IN A PULSE DETONATION ENGINE... 

S. Frolov, D. Netzer, and A. Borisov. Moscow, Russia ELEX-KM Publ. 24-26. Kailasanath, K., and G. Patnaik. 2001. Multilevel computational studies of pulse detonation engines. ISABE 2001-1172 Proceedings. Bangalore, India. 

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