Pulse detonation combustor with folded flow path

A pulsed detonation combustor system comprising:

• a fuel supply configured to supply fuel;
• an oxidizer supply configured to supply an oxidizer;
• an outer casing defining a first hollow chamber configured to receive a flow from at least one of said fuel supply and said oxidizer supply;
• an inner liner comprising at least one portion positioned within said first hollow chamber and configured to receive the flow from a plenum formed between said outer casing and inner liner;
• a flow turning device with geometric features configured to direct the flow from the plenum to a second hollow chamber defined within said inner liner;
• at least one fuel injection port located downstream of an inlet to outer casing;
• and
• an ignition device located downstream of said at least one fuel injection port and configured to periodically ignite fuel.

A method for generating thrust in a self-cooling, pre-heating pulsed detonation combustor, said method comprising:

• receiving a flow in an outer casing defining a first hollow chamber;
• receiving the flow from a plenum formed between the outer casing and an inner liner located within the first hollow chamber;
• directing the flow from the plenum to a second hollow chamber within the inner liner;
• placing at least one fuel injection port downstream of an inlet to the outer casing;
• and
• periodically igniting fuel by an ignition device located downstream of the at least one fuel injection port.