Pulsed Detonation Propulsion Alternative for Space

"Successful application of pulsed detonation wave engine for rocket propulsion brings with it increased payload, precise control over impulse, ability to operate in a continuous or intermittent mode and ease of maintenance. The proposed effort addressessome critical issues in the development of pulsed detonation wave engines for rocket propulsion. The focus is on the use of liquid O2. valve-less operation in near vacuum, energy requirement to initiate and sustain sufficiently rapid combustion, and theimpact of residual hot gas on the frequency at which the engine can operate. In Phase I of the program impact of several time scales in the problem on the performance of the rocket engine was estimated. In Phase II the modeling will include the effect ofLOX evaporation and mixing on detonation. Quantitative data for design of PDEs under actual operating conditions will be obtained form numerical simulations. Findings form this effort will lead to optimal design of pulse detonation engines for rocketengines."