Pressure Measurements and Attenuation in a Hybrid Multitube Pulse Detonation Turbine System

• Published in: Journal of propulsion and power 2009-01, Vol.25 (1), p.148-161
• Main Authors: Rasheed, Adam, Furman, Anthony H, Dean, Anthony J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0748-4658; 1533-3876
• DOI: 10.2514/1.31893

A multitube pulse detonation combustor consisting of eight unvalved tubes arranged in a can-annular configuration was integrated with a single-stage axial turbine nominally rated for 10lbm/s10lbm/s, 25,000 rpm, and 1000 hp. This pulse detonation combustor turbine system was operated using ethylene-air mixtures with each tube firing at 20 Hz. High-frequency pressure transducers were installed throughout the flow path to investigate the pressure-wave interactions and attenuation across the turbine. The multitube pulse detonation combustor was operated at a range of conditions with three firing patterns: a single tube firing, all tubes firing simultaneously, and all tubes firing sequentially. Analysis of these data reveal that wave interactions in the transition plenum between the pulse detonation combustor exit and turbine inlet plane can affect the optimum operation of the multitube pulse detonation combustor. In addition, a 20 dB attenuation of the peak pressure pulse and a 10 dB attenuation of the broadband acoustic noise through the single-stage, axial flow turbine were observed. [PUBLISHER ABSTRACT]