Numerical simulation of pulse detonation engine phenomena

This computational study examines transient, reactive compressible flow phenomena associated with the pulse detonation wave engine. The PDWE is an intermittent combustion engine that relies on unsteady detonation wave propagation for combustion and compression elements of the propulsive cycle. The present computations focus on high order numerical simulations of the generic PDWE configuration with simplified reaction kinetics, so that rapid, straightforward estimates of engine performance may be made. Both one- and two-dimensional simulations of the high speed reactive flow phenomena are performed and compared to determine the applicability of ID simulations for performance characterization. Examination of the effects of the combustion reaction mechanism and the use of a pressure relaxation length for ID simulations is made. Characteristic engine performance parameters, in addition to engine noise estimates within and external to the detonation tube, are presented.