Abstract:
In one embodiment, a pulse detonation system includes a pulse detonation tube including a base tube and a thermally protective layer disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the base tube. The thermally protective layer is configured to limit temperature fluctuations at the inner surface of the base tube to less than approximately 20 degrees Celsius during operation of the pulse detonation system, and the thermally protective layer does not comprise a ceramic coating.
Abstract:
A dual mode combustor of a gas turbine engine contains at least one dual mode combustor device having a combustion chamber, a fuel air mixing element, a high frequency solenoid valve and a fuel injector. During a first mode of operation the dual mode combustor device operates in a steady, constant pressure deflagration mode, receiving its fuel from the fuel injector. In a second mode of operation the dual mode combustor device operates in a pulse detonation mode, receiving its fuel from the high frequency solenoid valve.
Abstract:
An aircraft engine is provided with at least one pulse detonation device, and the operational frequency of the pulse detonation device is varied over an operational range of frequencies around a mean frequency value. The pulse detonation device can be positioned upstream, downstream or adjacent to a turbine section of the engine. An additional embodiment of the present invention is an aircraft engine provided with more than one pulse detonation device, and the operational frequency of one, or more, of the pulse detonation devices is varied over an operational range of frequencies around a mean frequency value.
Abstract:
A ground based power generation system contains at least two compressor stages, a combustion stage and a turbine stage. An intercooler is positioned between the two compressor stages and a regenerator is positioned between the compressor stages and the combustion stage. The combustion stage contains at least one of a pulse detonation combustor and constant volume combustor. Downstream of the combustion stage is the turbine stage. Heat for the regenerator is supplied from the turbine stage. Further, a bypass flow device is included which re-directs flow upstream of the combustion stage to downstream of the combustion stage and upstream of the turbine stage.
Abstract:
An engine contains a compressor stage, a pulse detonation combustion stage and a turbine stage. The pulse detonation combustion stage contains at least one pulse detonation combustor which has an inlet portion. The pulse detonation combustor is oriented longitudinally and/or tangentially with respect to a centerline of the engine.
Abstract:
A positive displacement capture apparatus contains a plurality of positive displacement capture devices which each contain a rotor portion positioned inside a casing portion to act as a least area rotor which captures a volume and moves the volume along the length of the separator. The rotor portion contains a plurality of lobes which interact with grooves in the casing portion, such that the interaction of the lobes and grooves create barriers which capture the volume. The creation of the volume creates a flow barrier between a downstream end of the separator and an upstream end of the separator. The flow separator is coupled to a combustion portion to provide a flow of material to the combustion portion. The plurality of positive displacement capture devices are positioned, oriented and rotational timed such that eccentric loads created by the rotation of the rotor portions cancel each other out during operation.
Abstract:
A pulse detonation engine comprises a primary air inlet; a primary air plenum located in fluid communication with the primary air inlet; a secondary air inlet; a secondary air plenum located in fluid communication with the secondary air inlet, wherein the secondary air plenum is substantially isolated from the primary air plenum; a pulse detonation combustor comprising a pulse detonation chamber, wherein the pulse detonation chamber is located downstream of and in fluid communication with the primary air plenum; a coaxial liner surrounding the pulse detonation combustor defining a cooling plenum, wherein the cooling plenum is in fluid communication with the secondary air plenum; an axial turbine assembly located downstream of and in fluid communication with the pulse detonation combustor and the cooling plenum; and a housing encasing the primary air plenum, the secondary air plenum, the pulse detonation combustor, the coaxial liner, and the axial turbine assembly.
Abstract:
A transition piece for use within a gas turbine engine provides a path between the exhaust from one or more pressure-rise combustors and a downstream turbine for the extraction of work from the exhaust flow. The transition piece provides a non-expanding path for the exhaust flow through the transition piece, and directs the flow so as to be effective in driving the turbine when it reaches the end of the transition piece.
Abstract:
A pulse detonation (PD) assembly includes at least one PD chamber having a wall, which defines cooling holes arranged along at least a portion of the PD chamber. A manifold extends around the PD chamber. The manifold and PD chamber are separated by a bypass region. A PD assembly with reverse flow cooling includes at least one PD chamber. A sleeve extends around the PD chamber. The sleeve and PD chamber are separated by a reverse flow cooling passage configured to receive a flow of air and to flow the air in a reverse direction to supply the PD chamber. A PD assembly with bypass flow cooling includes at least one PD chamber and a manifold extending around the PD chamber(s), which are separated by a bypass region. The PD assembly further includes a mixing plenum configured to receive and mix the bypass flow from the bypass region and the detonation by-products from the PD chamber(s).
Abstract:
An engine includes at least one pulse detonation chamber configured to receive and detonate a fuel and an oxidizer. The pulse detonation chamber has an outlet end and includes a porous liner adapted to fit within an inner surface of the pulse detonation chamber within a vicinity of the outlet end. The engine also includes a casing housing the pulse detonation chamber.