High-speed imaging of wave modes in an RDC

Abstract

Various operating modes have been observed in the rotating detonation combustor (RDC) studied here, as well as by others. These modes can be generally categorized into two groups: one or more co-rotating waves and counter-rotating waves. The combustor is able to stabilize both types of operation, however the stabilization mechanism remains unclear. In order to better understand these cases, these operational modes are investigated with high-speed pressure transducers installed in the combustor annulus combined with simultaneous high-speed video imaging of the natural luminosity of the detonation wave from the aft end of the RDC. These results confirm the operation in both the steady single wave mode as well as the counter-rotating waves mode. The presence of this mode further demonstrates the complex dynamics inherent in the stabilization of the detonation wave. As each wave propagates, they initially begin to weaken followed by re-strengthening after collision which serves to stabilize the mode. Differences in the velocities of the waves was also observed to result in a beating phenomenon expressed as an amplitude modulation of the pressure traces. High-speed video imaging of the high-temperature emission from H2O in the RDC annulus was used in conjunction with the pressure traces for a range of flow rates and equivalence ratios. Processing of the images into the wave frame of reference allowed for the identification of the average luminosity profile, characterized by a steep increase in natural luminosity near the wave front, followed by a trailing tail extending approximately half the annulus perimeter.