Recently, Dr. Zhang from the Flight Vehicle Design Department was invited to publish a comprehensive review titled "Enhancing detonation propulsion with jet in cross-flow: A comprehensive review" in the leading journal "Progress in Aerospace Sciences," which is ranked as the top in the field of aerospace. This journal primarily features review articles reflecting the latest research advancements in aeronautics and astronautics, accepts only solicited submissions, publishes approximately 40 articles annually, and has an impact factor of 11.5 for the year 2024.
In the domain of aeronautics and astronautics, the innovation of propulsion technology has consistently been pivotal for achieving efficient and rapid flight capabilities. Traditional combustion propulsion systems rely on subsonic combustion processes and are nearing their performance limits. To transcend these limitations, researchers have directed their focus towards propulsion systems based on supersonic detonation combustion, which demonstrate significant potential in terms of combustion efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratio, thereby showcasing enormous prospects for application in the field of advanced aerospace propulsion technologies. However, the successful implementation of these technologies faces several critical challenges, particularly regarding the reliable, stable, and efficient propagation of detonation waves within the combustion chamber. These challenges encompass aspects such as control methods, stability, and compatibility with existing technologies, necessitating in-depth research and innovative solutions.
The article provides a thorough examination of the potential for enhancing detonation propulsion performance through the use of the Jet in Cross-Flow (JICF) technique. It begins with an overview of the fundamental principles of the three main types of detonation propulsion systems: Pulse Detonation Engines (PDE), Rotating Detonation Engines (RDE), and Oblique Detonation Engines (ODE). It then delves into an analysis of how JICF technology can improve the propagation characteristics of detonation waves, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT). The article explores in detail the key parameters of JICF, such as injection delay time, pressure, temperature, nozzle width, and position, and how these parameters influence the formation and propagation of detonation waves. Furthermore, the article discusses the practical application of JICF technology in various detonation engines, analyzing its potential advantages in improving operability, efficiency, and reliability. These studies not only lay a theoretical foundation for the development of detonation propulsion technology but also propose viable research directions for the development of future high-performance aerospace propulsion systems.
Dr. Zhang's research team has been dedicated to addressing performance optimization issues in hypersonic detonation propulsion. In recent years, they have published relevant research findings in journals such as "Progress in Aerospace Sciences," "Chinese Journal of Aeronautics," "Combustion and Flame," "Proceedings of the Combustion Institute," and "Aerospace Science and Technology," with several papers being recognized as ESI hot papers and highly cited. This research has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission's Science and Technology Innovation Plan Major Project, and the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission's research projects.
