Characterization of Ethylene/JP-10 Fuel Injection Profiles for a Valveless Pulse Detonation Engine
Abstract
Practical use of the pulse detonation engine as a form of propulsion for future aircraft and missile platforms depends upon the ability to reliably detonate a fuel air mixture at high frequencies in order to produce an acceptable level of thrust, and to take advantage of the higher thermodynamic efficiency available from the pulse detonation engine combustion cycle. This research thesis focused on improving and mapping fuel fraction delivery profiles for a valveless pulse detonation engine. The gas dynamic conditions downstream of inlet manifold isolation chokes were evaluated for a number of geometries with Computational Fluid Dynamics software in an effort to reduce areas of recirculation in the inlet manifold of the engine and improve fuel delivery profiles. Based on the results from this modeling a new inlet manifold configuration was designed, installed and evaluated in laboratory experimentation. Laboratory testing was performed at multiple air and fuel mass flow rates using ethylene as the fuel. Absorption spectroscopy, using a He-Ne laser tuned at the 3.39 micrometer wavelength and known spectroscopic fuel absorption cross sections, was used to measure fuel mass fraction profiles for each engine inlet geometry at various flow rates. Additionally, JP10 fuel concentration profiles were determined for several fuel injector actuation pressures and at various alignments using the same diagnostic approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA475982
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Danaher
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School