In China, technological advancements are occurring at a breakneck pace across various fields, and recently, they have unveiled a new high-performance jet engine.
A research team has presented an improved supersonic engine concept: the Ram-Rotor Detonation Engine (RRDE), which combines a rotary compressor to deliver consistent thrust, even at extreme speeds.
According to engineers, it can easily overcome the challenges faced by current rotary detonation engines, thus promoting the development of supersonic flight and other aerospace applications.
For decades, aerospace engineers have been exploring detonation engines, known for their numerous advantages in pressure generation.
This new engine can easily tackle the challenges faced by current rotary detonation engines. (Illustrative photo).
Since the 1950s, various models have emerged, including axial detonation engines, pulse detonation engines, and rotary detonation engines.
However, the widespread adoption of these technologies has been limited by significant obstacles, such as their inability to generate continuous thrust and constant pressure.
Researchers from Tsinghua University (Beijing) have taken on this challenge, led by Dr. Hao Cheng Wen and Professor Bing Wang, who envisioned and implemented a new approach to explosive thrust with the development of the Ram-Rotor engine.
One Engine, Two Technologies
The RRDE engine combines two distinct propulsion systems: rotary detonation and a rotary compressor that operates with a supersonic combustion process, generating shock waves powered by a chemical reaction.
The rotary compressor harnesses fast airflow, which is compressed before being mixed with fuel. This mixture is then ignited by shock waves from the detonation.
The engine operates in a cyclic manner: air is compressed, mixed with fuel, ignited, and then the combustion gases expand to produce consistent thrust. This process ensures the stability of the rotary shock wave, even at very high speeds.
According to the researchers, the RRDE represents a significant advancement in the field of compact and efficient propulsion engines, combining a rotor compressor with spiral blades placed within a fixed casing.
Between the blades, a component allows for the optimal compression of the air-fuel mixture to trigger detonation, regardless of the incoming airflow.
“The initial goal of this development was to enhance the structure of the rotary detonation engine,” Wen stated in a declaration.
Promising Performance
To assess the potential of the RRDE, the research team conducted tests using a hydrogen-air fuel mixture, with results indicating a thrust pressure increase greater than three times the initial pressure.
Simulations confirmed the stability of the combustion process at inlet speeds of up to Mach 4.2.
Professor Wen noted: “Our research primarily verifies the performance benefits and operational feasibility of the RRDE.”
Although these performances are promising, technical challenges remain, particularly regarding the stabilization of the shock wave. However, the researchers approach these issues as a logical first step, anticipating future improvements.
