Combined effects of vortex flow and the Shchelkin spiral dimensions on characteristics of deflagration-to-detonation transition

The objective of this investigation was to achieve the shortest possible distance for the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) for a pulse detonation engine without losing the engine's simplicity. The effects of rapid flame propagation, rotating velocity, and Shchelkin spiral dimensions in the vortex flow (VF) on DDT characteristics were examined. A VF field was established in the ignition and transition domains of a detonation tube using a VF-type injector. The flame propagation in the ignition domain was observed by a high-speed video camera and the detonation propagation process was observed by measuring the pressure and ionization current in the detonation tube. The DDT distance in the VF could be shortened by 50-57 % of that in the counterflow by optimizing the VF and the Shchelkin spiral dimensions. The shortening effect became remarkable as the rotating velocity increased. The governing factors for this effect are considered to be the formation of an area of higher energy density in the ignition domain of the tube, as well as flame acceleration due to rapid flame propagation in the VF and turbulence promotion near the tube wall by the rotating velocity and the Shchelkin spiral in the transition domain of the tube. However, the combined effects of VF and the Shchelkin spiral on the shortening of the DDT distance were deteriorated in very strong turbulence. It is necessary to optimize the rotating velocity and dimensions of the Shchelkin spiral to achieve the shortest possible distance of DDT in the VF.