Numerical simulation and performances evaluation of the pulse detonation engine

Abstract

A pulse detonation engine (PDE) is a type of propulsion system that uses detonation waves to combust the fuel and oxidizer mixture. The engine is pulsed because the mixture must be renewed in the combustor between each detonation wave. Theoretically, a PDE can operate from subsonic up to hypersonic flight speed. Pulsed detonation engines offer many advantages over conventional propulsion systems and are regarded as potential replacements for air breathing and rocket propulsion systems, for platforms ranging from subsonic unmanned vehicles, long range transports, high-speed vehicles, space launchers to space vehicles. The article highlights elements of the current state of the art, but also theoretical and numerical aspects of these types of unconventional engines. This paper presents a numerical simulation of a PDE at h=10000 m with methane as working fluid for stoichiometric combustion, in order to find out the detonation conditions.

Considerations and simulations about Pulse Detonation Engine

“…Numerical simulations have focused on the study of the dynamics of the intake (axissymmetrical flow) with a fine grid in the slope of the flow. As a first attempt, the approach was to use a numerical simulation applied to a single tube, single phase and single cycle, see Figure 8, [10].…”

“…Numerical simulations were tried at Mach 5 and Mach 6, the results being compromised by burning across the entire intake channel, total firing corresponding to the 15° value, which determines a larger angle of impact wave with implications for upstream self-ignition. As in the previous article [10], the initial analysis data is those in Table 1. For CFD 2D flow analysis, Ansys Fluent 18 [16] and simple geometry of the PDE propulsion system were used with the initial conditions in Table 1 for stoichiometric firing.…”

“…[3] This paper will present some benchmarks on the experimental and theoretical research status of PDE. Then there is presented a numerical analysis regarding the functioning of PDE at supersonic speeds having hydrogen as working fluid, analyzes that want a continuation of a previous work where numerical simulations have been performed with methane working fluid, [10].…”