Integration of Transient plasma ignition systems into high repetition rate, multi-barrel pulse detonation engines

NumerEx proposes to collaborate with the University of Southern California (USC) to support the advanced concepts, basic science, and engineering of high repetition rate multiple barrels pulse detonation engine (PDE) technology. NumerEx will support experimental developments at both USC and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and will provide a strong theoretical and computational core for the integration within and between these programs. This research adds a robust simulation capability for the development of predictive models, adds breadth by addressing fluid flow and electrical physics in an integrated manner, and addresses underlying transient plasma ignition (TPI) physics with the goal of supporting the experimental evolution of the technology. Specifically, NumerEx and USC will study TPI which, having demonstrable beneficial effects on high repetition rate detonation, is ready for further scientific understanding to exploit its application in more realistic PDE configurations, such as those now under study by the community. Our unique collaboration, supporting Navy interests, basic science, and the PDE community, will advance multi-barrel technology for Navy PDE, and will seed understanding, leading to additional new concepts, analogous to those demonstrated with nanosecond plasma ignition.