On the Design of Pulse Detonation Engines

Abstract

This report addresses some basic issues in the structural and performance aspects of Pulse Detonation Engines (PDEs). Performance parameters studied include thrust-specific-fuel-consumption (TSFC), frequency limits, and thrust-to-weight ratio. A design surface is developed that accounts for various design limits. The structural aspects deal with critical parameters, material properties, and phenomena such as engine geometry, mass, yield stress, structural resonance due to flexural wave excitation, critical flaw size, and fracture toughness. Four materials for PDEs were chosen for comparison: silicon nitride, inconel, steel, and aluminum. Estimates of wall thickness and thrust-to-weight ratio are given over a range of operating conditions. Key issues and areas for further work are identified for both propulsion and performance aspects.