Experimental validation of rotating detonation for rocket propulsion

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Combustion Physics
• Rocket Propulsion

Background:

• Modern rockets utilize deflagration for thermal energy generation, which is subsonic and occurs at constant pressure.
• Detonation, a supersonic combustion process, offers advantages like compact heat release and higher pressures and temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To benchmark the performance and standardize the operability of rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs).
• To advance RDRE technology readiness level towards flight demonstration.
• To address key detonation physics for consistent and controlled chamber dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Benchmarking RDRE performance across multiple facilities.
• Standardizing RDRE operability through consistent chamber dynamics.
• Identifying and addressing unique detonation physics in RDREs.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated consistent RDRE operation across multiple facilities.
• Reduced variability and stochasticity in chamber dynamics.
• Validated RDRE technology for future aerospace applications.

Conclusions:

• RDREs provide a significant performance improvement over deflagration-based engines, with potential for up to 10% increased thrust.
• RDREs offer reduced thruster size and weight, lower injection pressures, and increased resistance to acoustic instabilities.
• This collective effort validates RDREs as a foundational technology for future rocket propulsion systems.