Analytic design methods for wave rotor cycles

Abstract

A procedure to design a preliminary wave rotor cycle for any application is presented. To complete a cycle with heat addition there are two separate—but related—design steps that must be performed. Selection of a wave configuration determines the allowable amount of heat added in any case, and the ensuing wave pattern requires associated pressure discharge conditions to allow the process to be made cyclic. This procedure, when applied, gives a first estimate of the cycle performance and the necessary information for proceeding to the next step in the design process, namely, the application of a characteristic-based or other appropriate detailed onedimensional wave calculation that locates more precisely the proper porting around the periphery of the wave rotor. Examples of the design procedure are given to demonstrate its utility and generality. These examples also illustrate the large gains in performance that might be realized with the use of wave rotor enhanced propulsion cycles.