27-01-2012, 12:25 PM
PULSE DETONATION ENGINE TECHNOLOGY: AN OVERVIEW
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Introduction
Imagine aircraft crossing continents and oceans at higher speeds and efficiencies.
Imagine spacecraft launching with higher safety factors and lower costs. Imagine
military craft operating in many flight conditions with increased performance. This is the
potential for Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) technology; it has the capability to
revolutionize the aviation industry.
Description of Pulse Detonation Technology
The main objective of pulse detonation research is to develop an efficient engine that is
primarily used for high-speeds (potentially Mach* 5), as well as high-altitudes. The basic
concept behind the technology is to detonate*, rather than deflagrate*, the fuel. The
detonation of fuel results in immense pressure, which in turn is used as thrust.
. The Beginnings
An exact history of pulse detonation technology is not easily determined. The history
is unclear for reasons such as the secrecy involved in research as this technology
could prove to be very profitable. What is known is that the technology is derived
from pulse jet engines, and many organizations within the past five to ten years have
produced test-bed engines. No engines have currently been put into production
(Wikipedia 2004). However, some people disagree and believe the military used
pulse detonation in the speculated Aurora* aircraft as early as 1980.
