Three-dimensional numerical simulation of operation process in rotating detonation engine

Abstract

The aim of this work was to create an efficient tool for transient threedimensional (3D) numerical simulation of the operation process in a Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) with the particular emphasis to the design issues of the combustion chamber and isolators, thermal management and operation control. The governing equations are unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations coupled with a turbulence model and with the continuity and energy equations for a multicomponent reactive mixture. The algorithm used is the combination of Finite Volume Method and Particle Method recently developed at ICP to treat simultaneously frontal and volumetric combustion. The capabilities of the new numerical tool have been demonstrated for the annular cylindrical RDE operating on homogeneous stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture with a detonation rotation frequency of about 126,000 rpm. The calculations revealed considerable temperature and pressure pulsations at RDE inlet and outlet; however, special design adaptations were shown to allow their reduction.