Rapid Inflation Systems for Inflatable Structures

A self-powered, rapid inflation system for high pressure air beam structures will be developed using staged pressure pulse combustion. The concept builds on existing commercial experience with pulse combustion. This pulse combustion air compressor will involve the use of a lightweight tube in which a carefully and rapidly sequenced series of ignitions of a fuel and air mixture is used, at high frequency, to effect a positive displacement pressure wave compression of air. Flapper valves similar to those used in commercial pulse combustion devices will be the only moving parts. The unit will operate without the need for external electric power. The proposed project will include the analytical modeling. of the stage pressure pulse combustion process as well as the design and operation of an experimental test unit. The staged pressure pulse combustion air compressor will be useful in any field situation where compressed air of moderate pressures is needed. In addition to inflation of structures, there are many commercial and industrial requirements for air compression that could be met with a new lightweight and self-powered device.