PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INTERMITTENT-DETONATION DEVICE

Abstract : An analytical and experimental investigation was conducted to determine the operating characteristics of an intermittent-combustion device employing gaseous detonative combustion. Gaseous propane and air were used as propellants in the experimental investigation. Results indicated that the intermittent-detonation device was capable of operating on at least two resonant spark-energization frequencies. For the device used in the investigation these frequencies were approximately 25 and 50 c. Reaction thrust, noise output, and actual combustion frequency were noticeably greater at the resonant conditions than at other operating points. Reloading the tube with fresh charge occupied most of the cycle time, which limits the operating frequency of the device. The device does not appear promising as a thrust producing mechanism because of its low operating frequencies. (Author)