Numerical experiment methodology for the chamber of a pulse detonation engine

Abstract

The subject of research in this article is the process of detonation propagation in the chamber of a pulse detonation engine. Experimental research on detonation engines is a complex and expensive process that requires high-speed, high-precision equipment to obtain high-quality reliable results. Therefore, to conduct preliminary research, numerical experiment methods using mathematical simulation tools should be used. This work analyzes the possibility of applying known calculation models to study the detonation propagation process in the chamber of a pulse detonation engine. The task: to study the influence of the application of existing calculation models on the accuracy of numerical simulation of the detonation process; analyze the use of existing calculation models for the study of the detonation propagation process. The main method used in this work is the method of mathematical simulation using CFD technologies. The following results were obtained. The work considered the application of various turbulence models, chemical transition models, solvers and mesh sizes in modeling processes in the chamber of a pulse detonation engine. The application k-ε and k-ω turbulence models and their modifications are considered. The closest to the real result is obtained when applying k-ω model turbulence with SST modification. Generalized modification of this model averages the parameters on the front of the detonation wave, which leads to the destruction of the structure of the front. Taking into account the peculiarities of the processes occurring at the front of the detonation wave, the eddy-dissipation concept method will be better for modeling chemical transition, compared to the finite-rate method. Using the finite-rate method shows instantaneous combustion at the front of the detonation wave. This leads to a sharp increase in the parameters at the detonation front with its further separation from the main flow. To obtain a qualitatively reliable result of the parameters at the front of the detonation wave, cell dimensions of no more than 1/16 mm should be used. The application of the eddy-dissipation concept method with k-ω SST turbulence model allows obtaining the closest results to the experimental data. The deviation of pressure and velocity values obtained during modeling does not exceed 5% from their actual values. The temperature deviation does not exceed 10%. This is determined by the selected kinetic scheme of chemical transitions. All considered models and methods affect only the structure and development of the detonation wave front. There are no significant differences in the values of the parameters along the front (in the Taylor zone). Conclusion. The obtained results are of practical importance for the design and research of detonation engines. The use of the proposed calculation models will allow conducting numerical experiments for the pulse detonation engine chamber with sufficient accuracy, in comparison with experimental data.