Characteristics of multi-cycle two-phase pulse detonation waves traveling near the lean combustion limit

Abstract

The need for high combustion efficiency in two-phase pulse detonation engines necessitates the implementation of a lean combustion concept. However, there have been no research initiatives attempting to conduct two-phase pulse detonation in a lean combustion environment due to the highly sensitive nature of the deflagration-to-detonation transition toward the reactivity of the reactant composition. The present study explores methods to realize lean combustion organization in two-phase pulse detonation through the incorporation of secondary air injection. Valveless pulse detonation operation based on gasoline was carried out, while the frequency varies from 20 to 100 Hz. The initiation and propagation characteristics of the pulse detonation wave are influenced first by the equivalence ratio of the detonation initiation section and then by the equivalence ratio of the detonation propagation section. Furthermore, secondary air injection enabled a reduction in the minimum global equivalence ratio for the stable operation of multi-cycle two-phase pulse detonation waves to 0.38, while maintaining an 80% detonation rate.