Assessment of combustion modes for internal combustion wave rotors

Combustion within the channels of a wave rotor is examined as a means of ob taining pressure gain during heat addition in a gas turbine engine. Three m odes of combustion are assessed: premixed autoignition (detonation), premix ed deflagration, and non-premixed autoignition. The last two will require s trong turbulence for completion of combustion in a reasonable time in the w ave rotor. The autoignition modes will require inlet temperatures in excess of 800 K for reliable ignition with most hydrocarbon fuels. Examples of co mbustion mode selection are presented for Two engine applications.