Analysis of the flow field of kerosene-fueled rotating detonation engine with film cooling

Abstract

The advance of the rotating detonation engine (RDE) toward practical applications demands the integration of effective cooling schemes. In this study, a three-dimensional simulation of the hydrogen-enhanced kerosene-air RDE with inclined cylindrical film cooling holes is conducted to analyze the influence of the cooling flow on the two-phase rotating detonation flow field based an Eulerian–Lagrangian model. The liquid kerosene is injected at the ambient temperature with hydrogen-assisted combustion enhancement. Results suggest that a stable propagation of the kerosene-fueled rotating detonation wave can be maintained after the introduction of cooling air and the three-dimensional structure of the flow field is analyzed. It is found that the periodic sweeping action of the detonation wave leads to temporary blockages of the film cooling holes, causing interruptions in the outflow of cooling air. Additionally, the investigation highlights the intensified heating and evaporation of kerosene droplets near the outer wall of the RDE, whereas the presence of cooling air prevents the accumulation of kerosene vapor near the outer wall. It is revealed that the film cooling efficiency exhibits a lower value in the vicinity of the fuel injection surface, but gradually increases along the length of the combustion chamber.