Methods and apparatus for controlling air flow within a pulse detonation engine
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsAdam Rasheed, Anthony Dean
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flow control device for use with a pulse detonation chamber including an inlet coupled in flow communication with a source of compressed air. The inlet extends at least partially into the chamber to facilitate controlling air flow into the chamber. The device also includes a body portion extending downstream from and circumferentially around the inlet, wherein the body portion is positioned in flow communication with the inlet.
Claims20
A flow control device for use with a pulse detonation chamber, said device comprising:
- an inlet coupled in flow communication with a source of compressed air, said inlet extending at least partially into the chamber to facilitate controlling air flow into the chamber;
- and
- a body portion extending downstream from and circumferentially around said inlet, said body portion positioned in flow communication with said inlet.
A pulse detonation engine comprising:
- a compressor configured to compress air therein;
- a pulse detonation combustor coupled to an axial turbine including at least one pulse detonation chamber comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a body portion extending therebetween, said inlet portion coupled in flow communication with said compressor for receiving compressed air therethrough, said chamber comprising:
- a fuel injector for supplying fuel to said chamber;
- a detonation device coupled to said chamber for initiating a detonation wave within said chamber;
- and
- a flow control device comprising an inlet for controlling air flow into said at least one pulse detonation chamber and a body portion coupled in flow communication with said inlet.
A method for adjusting air flow through a pulse detonation combustor, said method comprising:
- providing at least one pulse detonation chamber including an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a body portion extending therebetween;
- coupling an inlet within the chamber inlet portion and in flow communication with a source of compressed air for controlling air flow into the at least one pulse detonation chamber;
- and
- coupling a body portion downstream from and circumferentially around the chamber inlet portion and in flow communication with the inlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.