Aerospace
Pulse Detonation Engines (PDEs)
show great promise as the aircraft engine of the future.
Supersonic detonation waves burn fuel in a more efficient
manner than is possible in standard jet engines. The
engines are also extremely simple and lightweight,
consisting of only a set of tubes. The simple geometry
of PDEs belies their complexity. Timing and fuel-air
mixtures must be precisely coordinated in order to
create a detonation wave that travels down a tube.
Smooth operation requires a rapid firing frequency,
which increases the challenge further.
Martec Limited provides support for PDE modeling
using its custom-built software to rapidly evaluate
potential designs before building and running expensive
experiments. Results from Martec’s numerical
simulations can streamline the PDE design process
by decreasing the time and money required evaluate
design modifications.
References:
1. P.G. Harris, S. Guzik, R. Farinaccio and R.A.
Stowe, D.R. Whitehouse, T. Josey, D. Hawken and R.A.
Link, A.J. Higgins, P.A. Thibault, “Comparative
Evaluation of Performance Models of Pulse Detonation
Engines”, AIAA 2002-3912, 38th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE
Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, July 2002,
Indianapolis, Indiana.
2. J. Kelly, "After Combustion: Detonation!",
Popular Science, September 2003, pp 50-58, 115.
3. P.G. Harris, R.C. Ripley, S.M. Guzik, "Single-Tube
Two-Dimensional Evaluation of a Pulse Detonation Engine
as a Ramjet Replacement", 40th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE
Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, July 2004,
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
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