Thrust modulation in a multiple combustor pulse detonation engine using cross-combustor detonation initiation

摘要

A method and apparatus for modulating the thrust during a flight envelope of a multiple combustor chamber detonation engine 100 using cross-combustor chamber detonation initiation are provided. The detonation combustor chambers 104 are filled with a combustible mixture of fuel and oxidizer. The combustible mixture in one of the detonation combustor chambers 104 is ignited by an ignition source 112, and the remaining detonation combustor chambers 104 are ignited by detonation cross-firing via connectors 118. A controller 116 controls the ignition source 112 and the supply of oxidizer and fuel to the detonation combustor chambers 104 to modulate the thrust of the engine 100 during the flight envelope.