Computer Modeling of a Rotating Detonation Engine in a Rocket Configuration
Abstract
Detonation-based combustors leverage the higher thermodynamic efficiency of the Atkinson cycle compared to the traditional deflagration-based combustion of the Brayton cycle. The rotating detonation engine (RDE) has one or more shock waves rotating around an annulus. The RDE can theoretically be 20% more thermally efficient than a traditional deflagration-based cycle. A RDE was modeled in Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) based on a model developed in Microsoft Excel. The thermodynamic analysis of the RDE in these models is broken into four streams. Empirical models were used to find the percentage of the total flow in each stream. The pre-detonation pressure was iterated until the entrance mass flow calculations matched the exit mass flow calculations. A parametric analysis was used to compare the variation in specific impulse from the NPSS model to the Microsoft Excel model and other published results. The RDE has a peak air-breathing engine specific impulse of approximately 5,500 sec and a peak rocket engine specific impulse of approximately 150 sec.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA619792
Entities
People
- Nihar N. Shah
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology