Theoretical analysis of partial-filling effect of pulse detonation engine

In order to investigate the partial-filling effect of pulse detonation engines, a general analyzing model independent on experimental data was established. Discrepancy between calculated result by this model and experimental data by others is within 15%, which proved the accuracy of the model. The calculated results indicate that partial-filling can dramatically increase specific impulse, which approaches nearly 600s in present research. It is also found that specific impulse augmentations increase as fill fraction decreases and then approaches an upper limitation, the maximal value of which achieved 4 in present calculations. When using oxygen as oxidizer, not only specific impulse but also specific impulse augmentations are larger than air. The specific impulse augmentation of partial-filling is in proportion to inert gas density. As the back pressure decreases, the specific impulse augmentation decreases.