Adv Tech for Minimization of Deflagration to Detonation Transition Distance in PDE Applications

Adroit Systems Inc. (ASI) proposes to develop an innovative concept which reduces the required volume of predetonator mixture in pulse detonation engines (PDEs). The propulsive efficiency of the PDE hinges on the ability to quickly initiate a detonation in a fuel/air mixture. Since most fuel/air mixtures are difficult to detonate, an easily detonable predetonator mixture is typically added to the PDE combustor to aid in detonating the fuel/air mixture. Current experimental prototypes require a predetonator volume which is a significant portion of the total combustor volume. As the predetonator mixture must be carried onboard the vehicle, this results in a very large decrease in specific impulse compared to an ideal PDE which uses no predetonator. The proposed concept would use an innovative geometry modification to reduce the predetonator volume by up to an order of magnitude. This would result in a large increase of the specific impulse compared to the current experimental prototypes.