A computer-based tool for preliminary design and performance assessment of Continuous Detonation Wave Engines

Kurzfassung

For preliminary design and performance assessment of Continuous Detonation Wave Engine (CDWE), a computer-based tool has been developed which considers an ideal and simplified model of a CDWE in combination with a diverging nozzle. The tool evaluates flow conditions at five points in the engine and provides an initial estimation of the engine performance, dimensions and mass. The tool has been used to study the hypothetical performance gain achievable from the integration of CDWE in the lower and/or upper stages of a launch vehicle such as the Ariane 5 ME. It is found that, under the considered assumptions, launcher performance could be increased significantly with the use of CDWE.