Ignition System for Multi-Chamber Combustion Using a Small-Scale Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE)

Hyung-Seok Han

doi:10.15231/jksc.2026.31.2.041

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2026 Vol.31, Issue 2 Preview Page Next Page

Technical Notes

Ignition System for Multi-Chamber Combustion Using a Small-Scale Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) 소형 펄스 데토네이션 엔진을 이용한 다중 연소실 점화장치

30 June 2026. pp. 41-49

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Abstract

Rocket or air-breathing propulsion systems with multiple combustion chambers require simultaneous ignition across individual chambers. This study introduces a multi-point ignition system using a pulse detonation engine (PDE), which can be fueled by engine propellants or pyrolyzed fuel products. A three-branched PDE with an inner diameter of 4.22 mm was constructed, and small-scale burners were integrated at the PDE exits. The operational and detonation characteristics were investigated as functions of the equivalence ratio and operating frequency. Comparisons of detonation velocities with Chapman- Jouguet (CJ) velocities showed similar overall trends; specifically, at operating frequencies of 1 Hz and 5 Hz, velocity deficits remained below 5%, except at an equivalence ratio of 0.6. Furthermore, secondary combustion tests using the small burners were carried out, observing both secondary ignition and stable combustion.

Keywords

Pulse Detonation Engine(PDE)

Detonation wave

Ignition system

Simultaneous ignition

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Combustion
Publisher(Ko) :한국연소학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Society of Combustion
Journal Title(Ko) :한국연소학회지
Volume : 31
No :2
Pages :41-49
Received Date : 2026-05-12
Revised Date : 2026-06-15
Accepted Date : 2026-06-15
DOI :https://doi.org/10.15231/jksc.2026.31.2.041

Journal of the Korean Society of Combustion ISSN:1226-0959(Print) 2466-2089(Online) 한국연소학회지

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