Abstract
Two-phase small-scale pulse detonation engine (SPDE) offers a competitive alternative for small-scale propulsion systems from a high cycle efficiency and structural simplicity standpoint. SPDE models are designed with the aero-valve, and three different cases of obstacle combinations are used as deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) devices. The inner diameters of detonation tubes are 29 mm, and the lengths of three SPDEs are 995, 1,100, and 1,175 mm. Using kerosene-air as the fuel-oxidizer, a series of high-frequency detonation tests is conducted to seek efficient DDT enhancement approaches that reduce DDT distance and time and increase the frequency of kerosene-fueled SPDE. The results show that the fully developed detonation wave can be achieved at a distance of 3.4 times the minimum characteristic distance for gaseous detonation formation from the igniter and that the SPDE can steadily operate at a maximal frequency of 62.5 Hz. By adopting these DDT enhancement approaches, the detonability of kerosene is significantly improved. In addition, experiments are performed to study the effects of firing frequencies on detonation transitions. The results clearly indicate that the values of detonation wave pressures and velocities, the degree of overdriven wave, the ignition delay times, and detonation initiation times vary with frequencies. In terms of the performance, the optimal frequencies of three SPDE models are 20, 42.5, and 50 Hz, respectively.
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Huang, Y., Tang, H., Li, J. et al. Studies of DDT enhancement approaches for kerosene-fueled small-scale pulse detonation engines applications. Shock Waves 22, 615–625 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00193-012-0396-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00193-012-0396-5