Continuous detonation wave engine studies for space application

Abstract

Continuous Detonation Wave Rocket Engine (CDWRE) for space application is considered in the framework of French R&D and scientific research. A CDWRE demonstrator and a dedicated test bench are designed by MBDA France. At ICARE-CNRS, theoretical and experimental studies on the CDWRE internal processes are under progress. Twodimensional (2D) Euler simulations of a CDWRE combustion chamber have been performed to investigate the effect of geometrical and injection parameters on the internal process and combustion chamber performance. An experimental study is prepared to investigate liquid oxygen breakup and vaporization in a helium flow as well as detonation initiation and propagation in a spray of liquid oxygen/gaseous hydrogen.