The effects of repetitively pulsed nanosecond discharges on ignition time in a pulsed detonation engine

Joseph Lefkowitz, Yiguang Ju, Christopher Stevens, John Hoke, Timothy Ombrello, Frederick Schauer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the effectiveness of a nanosecond duration repetitively-pulsed plasma discharge device for ignition of a pulsed detonation engine was carried out. Ignition of C2H4/air mixtures and aviation gasoline/air mixtures at atmospheric pressure produced a maximum reduction in ignition time of 17% and 25%, respectively, as compared to an automotive aftermarket multiple capacitive-discharge spark ignition system. It was found that the ignition time is reduced as total energy input and pulse repetition frequency is increased. Further investigation of ignition events by Schlieren imaging revealed that at low pulse-repetition frequency (0-5 kHz), individual ignition kernels formed by the discharge do not immediately interact, while at higher pulse-repetition frequencies (≥ 10 kHz) ignition kernels combine and result in a faster transition to a self-propagating flame front.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, JPC 2013 - San Jose, United States
Duration: 14 Jul 201317 Jul 2013

Publication series

Name49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference
Volume1 PartF

Conference

Conference49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, JPC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose
Period14/07/1317/07/13

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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