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Effects of Inlet Area Ratio on Operability of an Axial Air Inlet Rotating Detonation Combustor

Conference · · AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2021 Forum
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-3676· OSTI ID:1995219

This research presents the first results from a new Rotating Detonation Combustor (RDC) design with an axial air inlet and rear-facing angled fuel injection. This design features a variable air inlet that allows for the study of the effect of inlet area ratio on operation and to directly study the coupling between the air plenum and channel of the RDC while minimizing inlet pressure losses. This device maintains the same downstream channel configuration as those previously tested in our laboratory, which includes a 154 mm outer channel diameter and a constant area channel with a width of 7.6 mm. All tests were completed with a downstream hydrogen-air afterburner capable of flashing back in the channel to initiate detonation operation. Initial tests demonstrated successful operation at air mass flow rates from 160 to 770 g/s and equivalence ratios from 0.53 to 1.05 at multiple air inlet to channel area ratios, indicated that sensors installed within the air feed plenum are able to characterize the dynamic characteristics of waves within the detonation channel, and verified that the design goals for this configuration were achieved.

Research Organization:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM)
DOE Contract Number:
FE0031228
OSTI ID:
1995219
Report Number(s):
DOE-UMICH-FE0031228-005
Journal Information:
AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2021 Forum, Conference: AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2021 Forum VIRTUAL EVENT August 9-11, 2021
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (8)