Pulse Detonation Engine Performance Analysis

Abstract A brief retroversion is conducted on the developments of pulse detonation engines over these decades. Attempts are made to cover performance analysis, nozzle effects, partial filling, and cooperating work. Researchers have spared no effort to establish accurate models to describe the unsteady nature of pulse detonation engines while the accuracy is relatively just as it comes at the price of more or less simplification. Nozzle design would make a great difference to the ultimate performance as numerical simulations have proved nozzle shape, as well as expansion ratio, needs precisely devised. The partial filling has an impact on specific impulses by altering the pressure relaxation process which is testified by numerical simulations and experiments. Component matching brings a challenge to engineering practice due to the comprehensive and complicated co-reaction between every part of the engine. How to reconcile different components remains a fatal issue as many institutes have done amounts of work to demonstrate the feasibility of such a novel propulsion option.