Small-size rotating detonation engine: scaling and minimum mass flow rate

Rotating detonation engines (RDEs) have been observed to exhibit several operating modes and instabilities under different operation conditions (reactant mixture, injection pressure, engine geometry, mass flow rate, etc.). We develop the simplest model possible describing of an RDE. This takes into account dependence properties on conditions, process, geometric constraints. Using this model, we predict lowest allowable reactant rates that allow RDE operate with a single wave propagating in annular combustion chamber. is compared experimental results running H $${}_2$$ /O C $${}_4$$ .