Numerical investigation of the wave disk micro-engine concept

Abstract

This paper presents results of numerical investigation, based on two-dimensional model, of a wave disk micro-engine concept taking into account full set of unsteady, centrifugal, Corriolis forces existing in such configuration. Even in two-dimensional simplification, the engine model derived guarantees conservation of mass flow through the simulated combustion chamber. A series of different geometrical configurations is analyzed. Investigation concentrates on the pure unsteady wave engine configuration. The waveengine design investigation presented in recent paper focused on two main problems: realization of gas compression and simultaneously a torque generation. Compression performance has been confirmed in almost any considered configuration but the torque generation was much below the expectations. Results of numerical simulations are presented in form of pressure, temperature and velocity distributions as well torque variations. © 2008 Gas Turbine Society of Japan.