One method to increase the operating frequency of pulse detonation rocket engines

A novel control method to increase the operating frequency of pulse detonation rocket engines (PDREs) is proposed. To verify this control methodology, experiments were carried out. In the experiments, oxygen-enriched air with 50% oxygen, gasoline, and nitrogen was used as oxidizer, fuel, and purge gas, respectively. Two solenoid valves were used for on/off control of oxidizer and fuel before and after each operation, and another two were used for purge gas control. An ordinary automobile spark plug with an ignition energy of 50 mJ was used to initiate combustion. A typical Shchelkin spiral, which could accelerate the DDT process, was installed in the DDT section. Validation experiments were performed with all the valves and ignition controlled by signals. The validation experiments indicated that detonation frequency could be doubled using this new control method, but only one additional solenoid valve was increased compared with the conventional control method.