Thrust Performance of Converging Rotating Detonation Engine Compared with Steady Rocket Engine

Abstract

Rotating detonation engines (RDEs) have been actively researched around the world for application to nextgeneration aerospace propulsion systems because detonation combustion has theoretically higher thermal efficiency than conventional combustion. Moreover, because cylindrical RDEs have simpler combustors, further miniaturization of conventional combustors is expected. Therefore, in this study, with the aim of applying RDEs to space propulsion systems, a cylindrical RDE with a converging-diverging nozzle was manufactured; the combustor length Lc was changed to 0, 10, 30, 50, and 200 mm; and the thrust performance and combustion mode with the different combustor lengths were compared. As a result, four combustion modes were confirmed. Detonation combustion occurred with a combustor length of Lc = 0 mm: that is, a converging rotating detonation engine. The thrust performance of this engine was 94 to 100% of the theoretical rocket thrust performance, which is equivalent to the thrust performance of conventional rocket combustion generated at Lc = 200 mm. This study shows that detonation combustion can significantly reduce engine weight while maintaining thrust performance.