Integration of a Pulsed Detonation Engine With an Ejector Pump and With a Turbo-Charger as Methods to Self-Aspirate

摘要

Two methods, an ejector pump and a turbo-charger, are evaluated as a means to self-aspirate a Pulsed Detonation Engine (PDE). For the experiments pertaining to the ejector pump, a pulsed detonation engine is run on hydrogen and air at frequencies up to 40 Hz. equivalence ratios from 0.5 to 1.0, and fill fractions from 0.25 to 1.0. Flow visualization is used to determine the combination of fill fraction and equivalence ratio that successfully induced a secondary flow in the ejector pump. Pressure traces at the inlet and along the ejector pump are used to understand the performance of the ejector pump. The induced secondary flow is found to be approximately triple the primary detonation flow. Fill fraction and equivalence ratio are found to affect the performance of thee ejector. High fill fractions and high equivalence ratios results in an oscillatory flow at the ejector inlet. Hydrogen and air are used as the frtel and oxidizer during the experiment with the turbo-charger also. Air flow and pressure at the exit of the compressor are used to evaluate the potential for self-aspirating the PDE. By fltnning two detonation fltbes simultaneously though the turbo-charger self-aspiration is achieved. The centrifugal style turbine and compressor of the turbo-charger showed no signs of discoloration or pitting after a 25 minute self-aspiration run where the detonation tube and turbo-charger attained thermal equilibrium. Throughout the course of the testing the turbine experienced 35 K plus detonation events and reached a rotational operating speed of 80 K rpm.