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At least 55 records · Page 3

Numerical simulations of a pulsed detonation wave augmentation device

We present here the concept of a hybrid engine for Single Stage To Orbit (SSTO) air-breathing hypersonic vehicle. This concept relies on the use of pulsed detonation waves, both for thrust generation and mixing/combustion augmentation. We describe the principles behind the engine concept, which we call the Pulsed Detonation Wave Augmentor (PDWA). We demonstrate the principles of operation for two possible configurations through numerical simulations. We also attempt a first approximation to engine design, and propose various applications.

Cambier, Jean-Luc↗

Interaction of turbulence with a detonation wave

This paper addresses a specific reactive-flow configuration, namely, the interaction of a detonation wave with convected homogeneous isotropic weak turbulence (which can be constructed by a Fourier synthesis of small-amplitude vorticity waves). The effect of chemical heat release on the rms fluctuations downstream of the detonation is presented as a function of Mach number. In addition, for the particular case of the von Karman spectrum, the one-dimensional power spectra of these flow quantities are given.

Jackson, T. L.↗

On detonation waves supported by diffusion flames.

An eigenvalue condition to determine propagation velocity of detonation waves in a tube is derived for the case where the oxidizer and fuel are in the gaseous and condensed phase, respectively, so that the combustion occurs only within the peripheral boundary layer. It is shown that the self-sustained shock propagation is possible if core streamtube constriction, due to combustion in the boundary layer, is strong enough to form a converging nozzle, and for a sonic throat to exist.

Fujitsuna, Y.↗

Conical detonation waves - A comparison of theoretical and numerical results

A predictive capability for conical oblique detonation waves (ODWs) is discussed with particular attention given to the special case of an axisymmetric conical projectile, which yields necessary conditions for attached waves. A multidimensional numerical model was used to study the influence of a finite Damkoehler number (Da) and viscosity on the formation of a conical ODW. The ODW is predicted for Da on the order of 10, and is found to be important in the ODW formation. For a Da of 1, shock induced combustion is predicted. Simulations of the experimental geometry showed general agreement with experimental flow features, but underpredicted the shock angle. It is suggested that this difference may be caused by inadequate boundary layer resolution, lack of grid orthogonality at the cone surface, and an inappropriate chemical mechanism.

Fort, James A.↗

The Attenuation of a Detonation Wave by an Aircraft Engine Axial Turbine Stage

A Constant Volume Combustion Cycle Engine concept consisting of a Pulse Detonation Combustor (PDC) followed by a conventional axial turbine was simulated numerically to determine the attenuation and reflection of a notional PDC pulse by the turbine. The multi-stage, time-accurate, turbomachinery solver TURBO was used to perform the calculation. The solution domain consisted of one notional detonation tube coupled to 5 vane passages and 8 rotor passages representing 1/8th of the annulus. The detonation tube was implemented as an initial value problem with the thermodynamic state of the tube contents, when the detonation wave is about to exit, provided by a 1D code. Pressure time history data from the numerical simulation was compared to experimental data from a similar configuration to verify that the simulation is giving reasonable results. Analysis of the pressure data showed a spectrally averaged attenuation of about 15 dB across the turbine stage. An evaluation of turbine performance is also presented.

VanZante, Dale↗

The structure and evolution of galacto-detonation waves - Some analytic results in sequential star formation models of spiral galaxies

Waves of star formation in a uniform, differentially rotating disk galaxy are treated analytically as a propagating detonation wave front. It is shown, that if single solitary waves could be excited, they would evolve asymptotically to one of two stable spiral forms, each of which rotates with a fixed pattern speed. Simple numerical solutions confirm these results. However, the pattern of waves that develop naturally from an initially localized disturbance is more complex and dies out within a few rotation periods. These results suggest a conclusive observational test for deciding whether sequential star formation is an important determinant of spiral structure in some class of galaxies.

Cowie, L. L.↗

Laser supported detonation wave source of atomic oxygen for aerospace material testing

A pulsed high-flux source of nearly monoenergetic atomic oxygen was developed to perform accelerated erosion testing of spacecraft materials in a simulated low-earth orbit (LEO) environment. Molecular oxygen is introduced into an evacuated conical expansion nozzle at several atmospheres pressure through a pulsed molecular beam valve. A laser-induced breakdown is generated in the nozzle throat by a pulsed CO2 TEA laser. The resulting plasma is heated by the ensuing laser-supported detonation wave, and then it rapidly expands and cools. An atomic oxygen beam is generated with fluxes above 10 to the 18th atoms per pulse at 8 + or - 1.6 km/s with an ion content below 1 percent for LEO testing. Materials testing yielded the same surface oxygen enrichment in polyethylene samples as observed on the STS mission, and scanning electron micrographs of the irradiated polymer surfaces showed an erosion morphology similar to that obtained on low earth orbit.

Krech, Robert H.↗

Lateral expansion of a laser-supported detonation wave in a gas.

A model satisfying the conditions in the burnt (ionized) and ambient undisturbed gases is presented for the two-dimensional case of the absorption wave resulting from the interaction of a laser beam with the plasma it generates in the gas through which the beam propagates. The flowfield of the rarefaction wave resulting from the laser-supported detonation is discussed, along with the computed shock and flow deflection angles.

Howe, J. T.↗

Interaction of disturbances with an oblique detonation wave attached to a wedge

The linear response of an oblique overdriven detonation to impose free stream disturbances or to periodic movements of the wedge is examined. The free stream disturbances are assumed to be steady vorticity waves and the wedge motions are considered to be time periodic oscillations either about a fixed pivot point or along the plane of symmetry of the wedge aligned with the incoming stream. The detonation is considered to be a region of infinitesmal thickness in which a finite amount of heat is released. The response to the imposed disturbances is a function of the Mach number of the incoming flow, the wedge angle, and the exothermocity of the reaction within the detonation. It is shown that as the degree of overdrive increases, the amplitude of the response increases significantly; furthermore, a fundamental difference in the dependence of the response on the parameters of the problem is found between the response to a free stream disturbance and to a disturbance emanating from the wedge surface.

Lasseigne, D. G.↗

Interaction of disturbances with an oblique detonation wave attached to a wedge

The linear response of an oblique overdriven detonation to impose free stream disturbances or to periodic movements of the wedge is examined. The free stream disturbances are assumed to be steady vorticity waves and the wedge motions are considered to be time periodic oscillations either about a fixed pivot point or along the plane of symmetry of the wedge aligned with the incoming stream. The detonation is considered to be a region of infinitesimal thickness in which a finite amount of heat is released. The response to the imposed disturbances is a function of the Mach number of the incoming flow, the wedge angle, and the exothermocity of the reaction within the detonation. It is shown that as the degree of overdrive increases, the amplitude of the response increases significantly; furthermore, a fundamental difference in the dependence of the response on the parameters of the problem is found between the response to a free stream disturbance and to a disturbance emanating from the wedge surface.

Lasseigne, D. G.↗

Nearly spherical constant power detonation waves driven by focused radiation

Shape and inner flow of a tridimensional spark are studied. The spark is created by focusing a laser beam in a gas. A second order fully non-linear equation is derived for the radial velocity on the axis of symmetry in the neighborhood of the origin. Solutions to that equation display the existence of a forbidden region near the focus, thus indicating the limits of applicability of a small perturbation solution.

George, Y. H.↗

Nearly spherical constant-power detonation waves as driven by focused radiation.

Analysis is made of the flow within a 3-D spark created in a gas absorbing energy from a steady conical beam of radiation (typically obtained from an array of lasers) with nearly spherical symmetry. First-order deviations are represented by series of Legendre polynomials of the polar angle. Self-similarity is demonstrated. For harmonics 1 to 5 radial profiles of velocity components, density and pressure are presented. The linear perturbation scheme exhibits a singularity at the focus. This reflects the existence of a 'forbidden zone', as is shown by a study of the full non-linear flow equations.

George, Y. H.↗