Transient heat transfer properties in a pulse detonation combustor

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Fontenot, Dion G.
Subjects
Advisors
Brophy, Christopher M.
Date of Issue
2011-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The heat transfer along the axis of a pulse detonation combustor has been characterized for various frequencies and fill fractions at 2.5 atmospheres of pressure for chamber refresh conditions. In a pulse detonation combustor, a supersonic detonation wave is the method for transforming chemical energy into mechanical energy and the wave propagates much faster than the subsonic flames in devices such as rockets and ramjets. The flow field inside a pulse detonation combustor is highly turbulent, unsteady, and varies largely during each combustion cycle. By determining the heat transfer properties at multiple axial locations and the associated combustor wall temperatures, proper combustor material selection can ensure the material properties will not deteriorate and therefore allow for practical operational lifetimes. Experimental testing measured the axial heat transfer characteristics in a pulse detonation combustor at various operating conditions and multiple cooling jacket locations. Computer simulations were used to model the heat transfer inside the pulse detonation combustor and correlate those predications with empirical data. The acquired data from the comparison of the computer simulations and the experimental results was correlated and demonstrated good agreement. The determined values should allow designers the ability to consider regenerative fueling strategies for future systems.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xvi, 71 p. : ill. (some col.) ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
Collections