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Chinese scientists propose ram-rotor detonation engine for hypersonic flight

Tsinghua researchers combine ramjet-based rotor compressor with a detonation engine which they say advances propulsion technology

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The Chinese Journal of Aeronautics shows how the Tsinghua University team’s RRDE works. Photo: CJA journal
Zhang Tongin Beijing
Chinese scientists proposing a new concept for a hypersonic engine with improved continuous thrust, lower start-up speeds and enhanced performance have inserted a ramjet into a rotary detonation engine.
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Detonation engines use detonation waves instead of traditional combustion to improve thermal cycle efficiency and propulsion performance. Because of their simple structure and high thrust-to-weight ratio, such engines have been used for flight tests in many countries.

Although various types of detonation engines have been proposed, each traditional design has limitations: pulse detonation engines lack continuous thrust; oblique detonation engines require very high start-up speeds; and rotary detonation engines do not achieve ideal total pressure gains.

Typical structures of RRDE. Credit: Wang Bing
Typical structures of RRDE. Credit: Wang Bing

Inspired by rotary engines, researchers combined a ramjet-based rotor compressor with a detonation engine to propose a new design, termed the Ram-Rotor Detonation Engine (RRDE).

This development, published as a cover article in the 11th issue of the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics by Wen Haocheng and Wang Bing from Tsinghua University, represents a significant advancement in propulsion technology.

The RRDE features a rotating rotor with blades housed within a stationary casing. The engine operates by compressing the combustible mixture, initiating detonation combustion and expanding the gas within variable channels between the blades.

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By adjusting the rotor speed, the detonation wave is maintained in a relatively fixed position within the engine, closely approximating the ideal total pressure gain and thermodynamic efficiency of a detonation cycle.

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