A self-resonant, mems-fabricated, air-breathing engine

Abstract

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of a self-resonant, MEMS-fabricated, air-breathing engine. Commonly known as a valveless pulsejet, this device converts chemical energy from fuel into pulsatile thrust which may be used for propulsion or converted into vibrational mechanical energy suitable for electrical power generation. The engine is fabricated by laser machining of ceramic sheets, followed by lamination and sintering. Using hydrogen fuel, the engine resonates in a frequency range of 0.9-1.6kHz with pressure differentials in the combustion chamber up to 10kPa. When coupled with a Lorentz-force type generator, the system delivers 2.5µW to an external electrical load at a frequency of 1.5kHz.