Assessment of the Inner Body Configuration Influence on Rotating Detonation Engine Performance

Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) represent a promising advancement in aerospace propulsion by utilizing pressure gain combustion (PGC), which offers enhanced thermal efficiency and potential reduction in emissions compared to conventional constant-pressure systems. This study presents a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of H2 fueled RDE performance across a range of geometric configurations, focusing on variations in inner cylinder length and the integration of truncated aerospike nozzles. Key performance metrics, including thrust, specific impulse, and combustion efficiency, are examined to assess the influence of these design modifications. The findings highlight how geometric factors affect detonation wave behavior and fresh mixture utilization, ultimately shaping engine output. This investigation provides valuable insights into the mechanisms that govern RDE performance, contributing to the optimization of engine architecture for improved propulsion effectiveness.