System performance and thermodynamic cycle analysis of air-breathing pulse detonation engines

This work deals with the development of a system-performance and thermodynamic-cycle analysis for air-breathing pulse detonation engines (PDE), to facilitate the design optimization at minimal computational expense. A modular approach is established to study all the essential parts of an engine including inlet, combustion chamber with multiple detonation tubes, and nozzle. The effects of all known processes on engine performance are studied systematically, and the various mechanisms responsible for performance loss are identified. Finally, the influence of exhaust nozzle design on engine propulsive efficiency is discussed.