Research progress on pulse detonation turbine engine

Basic concept, main structures and primary characteristics were reviewed of pulse detonation turbine engine. A detail trend at home and abroad of its development was presented; the results of our recent experimental researches were summarized; the key technology and research areas of pulse detonation turbine engine were discussed. Performance calculations show that the specific fuel consumption of pulse detonation turbine engine could have a reduction about 5% to 15% compared with that of traditional turbine jet engine. The specific power of the turbine driven by pulse detonation combustor is higher than that driven by constant pressure combustor under the same inlet conditions of the combustors. A self-aspirated model was successfully achieved by driving the turbine with pulse detonation combustor whose oxidant was supplied by the turbine driven compressor. The results verify the feasibility of substituting the traditional constant pressure combustor with pulse detonation combustor.