Numerical simulations of the detonation process in the RDE jet engine

Aim of project
The main aim of the project is optimization of the RDE (Rotating Detonation Engine) jet engine construction. The RDE jet engine utilizes the continuous rotation detonation process. Optimizing CFD computations of rotating detonation initiation and propagation in the annular channel will be conducted at the Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC). The main aim of the 3D computations will be to determine optimal geometry and proper parameters of rotating detonation engine work. Experimental investigations will be conducted on a model engine installed located at the Institute of Heat Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology. The results from the experimental research will be used to verify and validate the results of the 3D computations conducted for complex geometries. The validated geometries will be applied in the design of the RDE prototype engine.

Expected results
The main advantage of the RDE engine is simple construction, which ensures low costs and high reliability. Lack of rotating parts (in the version without turbine and compressor- fan) makes it much less expensive and more reliable than traditional turbine jet engines. Additionally, efficiency of detonation combustion higher than that for deflagration combustion will reduce significantly fuel consumption and emission of greenhouse gases.