What is a Pulse Detonation

Engine?
One of the newest and most exciting
areas of pulse-jet development is the
Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE). While
they work on similar principles to a
regular pulsejet, the PDE has one very
fundamental difference -- it detonates
the air/fuel mixture rather than just
allowing it to simply deflagrate (burn
vigorously).
 Advantages
New Technology
Improved fuel efficiency
Greater operational range
Higher Altitudes
Higher Mach Numbers (0 – 4+)
Longer Flight Range
Reduced Flight Costs
Simpler Mechanical Construction
No Pre - Compression Required
Dual Operational Mode for Single-Stage to
Orbit (SSTO) Vehicle
 Conceptual Advantages II
• High Thrust Density
• High Specific Impulse
• Significant Static
Thrust,
• Natural Geometry for
Integration into a
Combined Cycle
Engine
How do PDEs work?
 Design Challenges
• DDT (Deflagration to Detonation
Transition)
• Inlet pressure ratio
• Valve configurations
• Overall injector ignition timing
• Potential Fuels
• Material selection