Review of Propulsion Applications of Detonation Waves

TLDR

Detonation propulsion offers advantages over conventional constant‑pressure combustion, and this review surveys early studies of standing, pulsed, rotating, and oblique detonations, as well as detonation thrusters, laser‑supported detonations, and oblique detonation engines, culminating in a detailed look at recent decade research on ram accelerators and pulsed detonation engines. The review highlights how early detonation studies have influenced recent advances and identifies remaining challenges.

Abstract

Applications of detonations to propulsion are reviewed. First, the advantages of the detonation cycle over the constant pressure combustion cycle, typical of conventional propulsion engines, are discussed. Then the early studies of standing normal detonations, intermittent (or pulsed) detonations, rotating detonations, and oblique shock-induced detonations are reviewed. This is followed by a brief discussion of detonation thrusters, lasersupported detonations and oblique detonation wave engines. Finally, a more detailed review of research during the past decade on ram accelerators and pulsed detonation engines is presented. The impact of the early work on these recent developments and some of the outstanding issues are also discussed.