Development and experimentation of a labscale pulse detonation engine (PDE)

Austin P. Murray, Tyler L. Smith, Eric D. Pittman, Grant A. Risha, Jeffrey D. Moore

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

An experimental study was performed to design, fabricate, and test a pulse detonation engine (PDE). The PDE utilized ethylene, oxygen, and air mixed in a stainless-steel combustion chamber at frequencies ranging from 1 – 40 Hz. Successful stoichiometric mixing and ignition with a spark plug was achieved. Average thrust and exit pressure were determined. Based upon the results, experimental detonation velocity was measured at 93.5% of the theoretical Chapman-Jouguet velocity value. It was observed that average thrust increased exponentially with the increase of detonation frequency and an increase in ignition spark delay times resulted in misfires during high-frequency operation. A spark delay time of 2 ms was determined to be the optimum time based upon thrust and velocity measurements. Overall, the effect of spark delay on thrust and velocity was reduced at lower operation frequencies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105906
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019 - Indianapolis, United States
Duration: Aug 19 2019Aug 22 2019

Publication series

NameAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityIndianapolis
Period8/19/198/22/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Energy
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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