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Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Conjunction with Experimental Methods to Improve Designs of Detonation-Based Combustors

Stoddard, William A
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9785-8959
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543921268222073

Abstract Details

2018, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Aerospace Engineering.
PDE's (Pulse Detonation Engines) and RDE's (Rotating Detonation Engines) utilize a shock coupled burning wave to combust fuel and oxidizer or air at a near constant volume. This results in great potential to increase engine cycle efficiency utilizing pressure gain. In PDE's, the detonation wave runs along the interior of a tube, and pressurized gas is then expelled during a purge and refill process. Another detonation wave is initiated, in quick succession, resulting in periodic pulsed combustion. The RDE, in contrast, initiates a continuous detonation process in an azimuthal direction in an annular or cylindrical chamber, nearly perpendicular to the flow of oxidizer and fuel, with the detonation wave consuming incoming mixture before expelling the compressed exhaust. Work needs to be done to efficiently utilize detonations for propulsion. There is much to be gained by testing a variety of geometries to reduce pressure losses, and to aid in quick refilling. Computational Fluid Dynamics or CFD has the ability to aid in bringing the benefits of understanding the fluid dynamics of many flow geometries with minimal hardware. CFD has the ability to compare designs with precisely controlled boundary conditions. Two computational studies and two related experimental studies demonstrate how low cost simulations can effectively direct and inform experimental designs. First, a pulse detonation engine model in CFD is used in various configurations, targeting the most effective way to self-aspirate a PDE. It attempts to direct design so that a PDE quickly self-purges, allowing for higher frequency use of the PDE. This is useful to a PDE system, as the thrust to weight ratio is highly influenced by pulse frequency. The best design, utilizing an aerovalve and ejector is tested and refined in an experimental study, with tests at off-optimal conditions to demonstrate the same trends as seen in the simulation set. [Portion of Abstract Removed to Comply with Federal Order]
Ephraim Gutmark, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Shaaban Abdallah, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Kailas Kailasanath, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Mark Turner, Sc.D. (Committee Member)
149 p.
Aerospace Materials
Detonation; PDE; RDE; CFD; Experimental; Combustor

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Stoddard, W. A. (2018). Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Conjunction with Experimental Methods to Improve Designs of Detonation-Based Combustors [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543921268222073

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Stoddard, William. Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Conjunction with Experimental Methods to Improve Designs of Detonation-Based Combustors. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543921268222073.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Stoddard, William. "Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Conjunction with Experimental Methods to Improve Designs of Detonation-Based Combustors." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543921268222073

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1543921268222073
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.