Wave Rotor Research Program at Michigan State University

Abstract

*† An attempt is carried out to introduce wave rotor research activities in the Turbomachinery Laboratory of Michigan State University (MSU). The activities vary for different propulsion and power generation purposes including utilization of wave rotors for microturbines, ultra-micro gas turbines, and water refrigeration systems. In collaboration with the research team at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland and Purdue School of Engineering and Technology in Indianapolis (IUPUI), several other analytical and numerical studies have been also investigated in this laboratory. This institute also houses the first wave rotor test rig at university levels in the nation. The goal of this paper is to summarize past and ongoing efforts in this institute. Special emphasis is given to propulsion applications and significant potential of wave rotor technology for performance improvement of gas turbine and jet engines. Observations and lessons learnt from experimental studies, numerical simulations, analytical approaches, and other design and analysis tools are discussed. I. Introduction here is a continual demand to increase the performance of thermodynamic cycles beyond the limits of conventional turbomachinery. Traditionally, these cycles often function based on steady-flow processes with relatively well understood fluid mechanics and predictable performance. Utilizing unsteady-flow machines has been considered as a possible solution for increasing significantly the efficiency of simple steady-flow or semi-steady devices. The basic concept underlying these unsteady devices, known as wave machines or wave engines, is employing compression and expansion waves to add or remove energy from a fluid flow. It has been proved that for modest pressure ratios, more efficient compression processes can be achieved using pressure waves rather than blades or pistons. 1-3 Among several wave machines, pulse detonation engines (PDE) and wave rotors have received significant attention. Many researchers and engineers consider the wave rotor concept as a breakthrough technology with the potential for quantum advances in various applications such as power generation, propulsion, refrigeration, and car engine supercharging. References 4-7 have