Detonation pulse engine

Abstract

Exploratory experiments with an air-breathing propulsion device which uses detonative combustion to achieve high cycle pressures, are reported. In the first phase, detonation in a chamber containing ethylene and air was initiated by a detonation produced in a small tube containing ethylene and oxygen. An automobile spark system was used for ignition. In the second phase, a repetitive detonation process was sustained in a naturally-aspirated chamber at a frequency of 25Hz. Projections based on the present test results suggest that frequencies of 150Hz and specific impulse in the range 1000-1400 sec might be obtained in a practical engine.