Airflow Controller and Isolator for Pulse Detonation Engines

A revolutionary airflow controller and isolator for application with a high-speed inlet and a pulse detonation engine (PDE) is proposed. This innovation has the potential of providing a solution to the unique airflow matching problem imposed by theintegration of a PDE with a high-speed inlet. The cyclic (on/off) characteristic in the PDE airflow demand imposes a severe airflow matching problem for the inlet. The proposed concept will serve to control the airflow to the detonation chambers, providesealing, and function to isolate the inlet from the airflow disturbances that could be imposed by the PDE operation. The inlet when coupled with the airflow controller, will function in a normal conventional mode by providing a constant airflow supply tothe engine. Successful design and validation of the concept will provide breakthrough inlet technology for a PDE airbreathing propulsion system. The estimated commercial potential of a pulse detonation propulsion system is significant. Comparison ofengine cycles has shown that the PDE offers higher efficiency that other candidate propulsion systems. Successful development of the airflow controller will enable the highly efficient PDE propulsion to be considered for a variety of flight applications.The breakthrough technology that will be provided by the application of the proposed concept will enable propulsion systems designs that have not been possible to date due to restrictions imposed by the cyclic behavior of the PDE airflow demand.