The influence of different initial parameters on the operational characteristics of a Kerosene/air two-phase rotating detonation engine

Abstract

An annular rotating detonation engine (RDE) with an integrated fuel atomization and mixing structure based on high-speed shear air flow rate and fuel injection was designed for air/kerosene reactants. Experimental studies were conducted on its detonation combustion characteristics. Under a low outlet contraction ratio, the RDE primarily operated in a "Single Detonation Mode"; as the outlet contraction ratio increased, the RDE exhibited a "Complex Hybrid Detonation Mode." Based on detonation wave velocities and dynamic pressure characteristics, it was found that the "Complex Hybrid Detonation Mode" consists of "Random Detonation Wave" (0–1000 m/s), "Single Detonation Wave" (1000–2000 m/s), and "Double Detonation Wave" (2000–4000 m/s). Numerical simulations and high-frequency dynamic pressure test results indicate that the detonation energy is weakest and propagation stability poorest in the "Random Detonation Wave" mode, followed by the "Double Detonation Wave" mode, with the "Single Detonation Wave" mode demonstrating the best performance. Subsequently, relevant operational performance parameters of the rotating detonation wave for the "Complex Hybrid Detonation Mode" were proposed. The effects of varying total inlet air temperature, equivalence ratio, and air mass flow rate on the wave characteristics and operational performance of the two-phase kerosene/air RDE were further investigated. Results indicate that the contribution of different "Detonation wave" to the overall RDE detonation performance varies with different initial parameters, with the contribution of the "Double Detonation Wave" increasing with the rise in the three sets of initial parameters. Furthermore, optimal total inlet air temperature, equivalence ratio, and air flow rate parameters exist for which the RDE exhibits the best performance and stability. Under optimal conditions, the detonation wave velocity reached 1531.5 m/s, with a wave velocity standard deviation of 14.62 %.