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Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering
Detonation Branching In A Pde With Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuel, Kristin L. Panzenhagen
Detonation Branching In A Pde With Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuel, Kristin L. Panzenhagen
Theses and Dissertations
A pulse detonation engine (PDE) capitalizes on the large mass flux and pressure rise associated with detonations to create thrust, which is proportional to PDE cycle frequency. This research showed that using a branched detonation as an ignition source, as opposed to standard spark ignition, deposits more energy into the thrust tube head. The increase in energy decreases ignition delay and detonation to deflagration transition (DDT) time. This allows a theoretical 85% cycle frequency increase that is accompanied by an 85% increase in thrust. The increase in energy also reduces the need for a DDT enhancement device, thereby increasing thrust …
Ion Based Pressure Sensor For Pulse Detonation Engines, Jeffrey S. Zdenek
Ion Based Pressure Sensor For Pulse Detonation Engines, Jeffrey S. Zdenek
Theses and Dissertations
A high speed, durable, ion probe based pressure sensor is being investigated for use in pulse detonation engines. Traditional pressure sensors are ill suited for the high temperature and vibratory environment encountered in such engines. An alternative transient pressure sensing method is investigated for pressures behind a hydrocarbon flame. These flames generate ions that are quenched by collisions as a function of pressure. An experiment was devised to correlate the ion decay rate with the pressure using an ion probe well suited for the flow. A correlation has been established showing the ion decay rate is a function of pressure. …
Isomer Energy Source For Space Propulsion Systems, Benjamin L. Johnson
Isomer Energy Source For Space Propulsion Systems, Benjamin L. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
Presented in this work are the results of an investigation of alternative means for powering spacecraft and launch vehicles with energy sources other than chemical combustion. Nuclear thermal propulsion and the energy release of a nuclear spin isomer present potential for increased rocket performance with compact, high-energy fuel sources replacing the combustion engines of the Delta IV-H 1st and 2nd stage vehicles. Analysis of historical fission designs along with the isomer hafnium-178-m2 in a particle bed configuration was conducted. Energy storage levels of 1.3 GJ/g are possible with this material, though the successful triggering and maintenance of a chain reaction …