Abstract

Conventional engines are limited by the efficiency of their combustion mode. Compared to present constant pressure deflagration-based engines, detonation-based systems can realize a higher thermodynamic cycle efficiency, making them an attractive candidate for next generation propulsion systems that will take humanity to hypersonic speeds and even to Mars. For all its performance gains, detonation engines are still far off from implementation. One system, the rotating detonation engine (RDE) is promising as a detonation-based engine concept for its stability, simplicity, and versatility. For these reasons, RDEs have been the subject of studies internationally in efforts to understand their operation and integration into conventional technology. RDEs are on the cusp of field use, considered at technology readiness level 5 with prototype demonstrations occurring today; however, there are still significant barriers holding back this technology from widespread adoption. The work of this dissertation confronts each of these barriers with experimental methods. Using multiple different RDE test facilities, investigations into injection, fueling, exhaust, detonability, and integration were conducted, targeting research gaps in each barrier. As a result, many novel advancements have been made from these studies such as the first demonstration of hydrogen and oxygen rotating detonations, the detonability of sustainable solid particle fuels, and the effect of fuel stratification on rotating detonation propagation. Altogether, the work presented depicts the RDE from a complete perspective by advancing current RDE research through multiple channels with the intention of advancing the technology readiness level of RDEs.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2022

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Ahmed, Kareem

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0009433; DP0027156

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0027156

Language

English

Release Date

November 2022

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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