Design and Testing of an H2/O2 Predetonator for a Simulated Rotating Detonation Engine Channel

Abstract

A study is presented on the relationship between a pre-detonator and a detonation channel of an RDE. Testing was conducted on a straight narrow channel made of clear polycarbonate windows connected to an H2/O2 pre-detonator to simulate the RDE initiation scheme and allow for flow visualization. A comparison is made on decoupling distance and wave velocities for a range of pre-detonator designs, inclination angles, equivalence ratios and geometries placed within the simulated channel. Regardless of inclination angle or equivalence ratio the detonation wave decoupled within 25 mm from the pre-detonator exit into the channel. A step change in diameter 25 mm from the exit of the pre-detonator increased the coupled distance to approximately 40 mm from the pre-detonator exit. A step diameter change also increased the exit velocity of the wave and directionalized the flow. Wedges of 30 , 45 and 60 , placed in the channel next to the pre-detonator exit, increased the distance the shock and flame remained coupled from the pre-detonator exit to 42 mm, 50 mm and 60 mm, respectively.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA577724

Entities

People

  • Stephen J. Miller

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Boundary Layer
  • Cameras
  • Cell Size
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Combustion
  • Department Of Defense
  • Explosives
  • Fires
  • Geometry
  • Governments
  • Ignition
  • Mach Number
  • Research Facilities
  • Turbines
  • United States Government

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Rocket Propulsion.