Novel 2D plasma actuator for rotating detonation augmentors

The Rotating Detonation Augmentor (RDA) has the potential to be a next-generation technology for augmentor development, offering reduced size, weight, and cost. Plasma-assisted combustion could further improve the RDA’s performance by decreasing size and weight while enhancing combustion efficiency. The objective of the Phase-II effort, proposed by the team at Spectral Energies LLC, the Georgia Institute of Technology (the main research institute), and Purdue University, is to develop an efficient and reliable plasma actuator for a rotating detonation augmentor. With this technique, our goal is to demonstrate successful and dependable plasma-assisted detonation for combustor and augmentor applications, ultimately improving performance across a broad flight envelope using the current generation of fuels and oxidizers. The design of the plasma actuator addresses the challenges posed by the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions associated with detonation waves. It amplifies the concentration of key combustion radicals, reduces chemical induction time, and enhances detonability under extreme conditions. The proposed plasma-assisted detonation technique aims to enhance the performance, efficiency, and operability of naval aircraft propulsion engines.