Numerical study of pressurization and flow characteristics of rotating detonation combustor by channel configuration and outlet contraction ratio

Abstract

To investigate the flow and pressurization characteristics of a rotating detonation combustor, numerical simulations were conducted in this study by analyzing the different channel configurations and a range of outlet contraction ratios. Different degrees of curved constriction channels were designed for comparison with a straight constriction channel. In addition, the effect on pressurization and flow was investigated by adjusting the combustion chamber’s outlet contraction ratio. The research indicated that the total pressure of a curved constriction channel was greater than that of a straight constriction channel. However, when a constriction channel with greater convergence was introduced, the outlet total pressure decreased. In addition, for the same constriction channel, the total pressure at the outlet increased with a decreasing outlet contraction ratio. Under the influence of the contraction effect, the continuous acceleration effect of the gas in the channel was improved, resulting in the critical sonic speed at the outlet. In summary, only a moderately curved constriction channel can achieve a better pressurization effect. When the outlet contraction ratio reached 0.75, the combustors total outlet pressure achieved its maximum, and the downstream continuous acceleration effect was optimal. This study provides a research basis for the pressurization characteristics of rotating detonation engines through numerical calculations.