Rotating detonation engine test facility (RDE)

The facility is equipped with a research test bench for measuring the parameters of rotating detonation combustion engines operating in a pulsed detonation system. Measured parameters include propellant mass flow rates, rapidly changing pressures in the combustion chamber, average pressures in the combustion chamber, engine thrust, and outlet temperatures.

Rotating detonation – research scope:

  • Engines with thrusts ranging from 10 to 500 N for rocket engine test facilities and 4 kN for air-breathing engine test facilities.

Rotating detonation – equipment:

  • Propellant supply systems:
    • oxygen (gaseous),
    • methane (gaseous),
    • hydrogen (gaseous),
    • air (gaseous),
    • liquid nitrous oxide,
    • liquid propane,
    • liquid ethane.
  • Hot air supply system with a maximum airflow rate of 1.6 kg/s and a temperature of 180 °C to replicate flight conditions at speeds up to Mach 2.2.

Rotating detonation – measurement capabilities:

The measurement system, based on LabView software, includes essential sensors for detonation process stability measurements:

  • Piezoelectric pressure sensors (KISTLER 603CAB) with a measurement frequency of 1 MHz and a range of 0-1000 bar,
  • Averaged pressure sensors in the combustion chamber (ranges: 1-9 bar, 0-10 bar, 0-16 bar, 0-25 bar, 0-100 bar),
  • Thermocouples: Type K, Type B,
  • Coriolis flowmeters (20 g/s – 2200 g/s),
  • Heating system for propellants (total power of 3 kW),
  • Solenoid valves, Manometers.

Rotating detonation – safety:

Tests are conducted in specially adapted rooms. The control room is separated from the test chamber. Propellant and fuel supply systems are equipped with safety switches that immediately cut off the propellant supply in case of emergency. The rooms are monitored and equipped with a fire alarm and fire detection system.

Rotating detonation – research objectives:

  • Experimental investigations of basic detonation parameters,
  • Experimental investigations of rocket detonation engines (RDE),
  • Experimental investigations of air-breathing RDEs (air breathing RDE).