Unsteady Flow, Shock and Combustion Physics in High Reynolds Number Systems
Abstract
Rotating detonation engines (RDEs) utilize pressure gain combustion, granting them significantly improved theoretical efficiency over traditional combustion engines. However, several fundamental knowledge gaps must be addressed before such improvements can be realized. Many of these relate to three key areas: detonation wave dynamics in annular geometries, injector response, and general transient combustion/fluid mechanic interactions. Concerning the first point, the circumstances dictating the strength, number, and direction of detonations is an area of particular concern. The strength of detonations likely relates to the mechanisms by which detonations gain and lose energy, which remain largely unknown. The number and direction of detonations may be dictated in part by periodic wave reflections from injector elements, which can potentially dominate the primary wave direction. Concerning the second point, the injection system is known to play several governing roles in RDEs: these include providing well-conditioned reactants in a timely manner, a process influenced by shock feedback into the injection system and influencing detonation behavior through the aforementioned reflections.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1230647
Entities
People
- Tim Lieuwen
Organizations
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation