Colloquium: Moana Lengkeek (Space Flight)

This thesis explores the development, validation, and usage of a thermo-chemical performance assessment model for a Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE). This research addresses a knowledge gap in the development of performance models of RDE's, and will allow the client to make rapid prototyping performance assessments. A RDE is a propulsion system that uses continuous detonation waves travelling around an annular combustion chamber to produce thrust. This method of generating propulsion is theoretically up to 20% more efficient than a deflagration engine due to the nature of detonation. The detonation results in a lower entropy release for the same amount of heat addition, enabling the production of a greater amount of work. This thesis on RDE’s aims to produce a validated theoretical thermos-chemical analysis model of RDE performance, and to assess how variations in engine geometry affect the performance of this type of engine.

Supervisor: Dr B.V.S. Jyoti