Fundamental Studies of Inkjet Based Fuel Injection Technology for Pulsed Detonation Engines.

摘要

The University of Colorado, in collaboration with TDA Research Inc., worked on using inkjet type concepts to develop MEMS technology for fuel injection for pulsed detonation engines (PDE). We considered this approach because of the requirements of periodic injection, small droplet size and distributed injection. We demonstrated the potential for injectors based on inkjet technology to meet PDE needs. We evaluated commercially available inkjet technologies, developed a large array atomizer conceptual design, and reviewed and compared current atomization techniques to military specifications. The results of our study showed that new injection technology would be required and that inkjet-type MEMS technology does have the potential to meet PDE needs. During the first year of the AFOSR program we explored issues such as material compatibility, flow throughput, and actuation design. We carried out finite element stress analysis simulations for various pump configurations and volume of fluid (VOF) analysis of jet breakup. During the second year our work focused on developing comprehensive simulations of real pump designs. We successfully modeled a passive valve pump and showed that the simulation correctly predicts behavior observed in the literature. During the final year of funding we focused on design optimization using multi-physics simulations and assisting in prototype testing.