Design and Characterization of Bladed Power Extraction From a Rotating Detonation Rocket Combustor

The Rotating Detonation Turbine Generator (RDTG) project aims to present an experimental set-up to prove the feasibility of power generation using an axial turbine generator in the exhaust of a rotating detonating engine (RDE). This is achieved through the design and experimental validation of the small-scale turbine blisk capable of extracting power from BEFAST Lab’s RDE exhaust. The system employs a high-performance brushless DC motor that functions as both a starter for pre-spinning the turbine and converting rotational energy to electrical power. This system is capable of simultaneously reporting live data, recording data, and uploading in real-time for further analysis/processing on the NI DAQ/LabVIEW. Computational analysis predicts performance across operational conditions, with simulations indicating the design should withstand the extreme thermal and mechanical stresses caused by the RDE’s exhaust for the test duration, while secondary objectives encompass efficiency maximization, thermal stability, and mechanical longevity. This work sets a foundation for future research in pressure gain combustion power generation, providing insight into new solutions with improved efficiency.