Abstract: A pulse detonation wave engine (PDWE) detonation system provides for optical ignition. The detonation system has a plurality of detonation banks, where each detonation bank has a plurality of detonation chambers for receiving a fuel/oxidizer mixture from a propellant source. An optical ignition subsystem generates a plurality of optical pulses. The detonation system also has an optical transport subsystem for transporting the optical pulses from the ignition subsystem to the chambers, where the optical pulses ignite each fuel/oxidizer mixture such that the chambers detonate in a desired order. This allows the banks to be sequentially detonated and the chambers within each bank to be simultaneously detonated, without the increased tankage and toxic ignition associated with conventional approaches.

Abstract: A pulse detonation wave engine (PDWE) detonation system provides for optical ignition. The detonation system has a plurality of detonation banks, where each detonation bank has a plurality of detonation chambers for receiving a fuel/oxidizer mixture from a propellant source. An optical ignition subsystem generates a plurality of optical pulses. The detonation system also has an optical transport subsystem for transporting the optical pulses from the ignition subsystem to the chambers, where the optical pulses ignite each fuel/oxidizer mixture such that the chambers detonate in a desired order. This allows the banks to be sequentially detonated and the chambers within each bank to be simultaneously detonated, without the increased tankage and toxic ignition associated with conventional approaches.

Abstract: The optical system includes an optical source capable of producing light having physical characteristics sufficient for optically driven chemical disassociation of a fuel; and, an optical delivery system for providing optical delivery of light from the optical source to a chemical fuel source. The optical system is used for a propulsion producing engine having a chemical fuel source. The endothermic fuel generation is produced by the non-linear, optical interaction of the produced light with the fuel, thereby leading to molecular dissociation of the fuel.

Abstract: The ignition system includes an optical source capable of producing light having physical characteristics sufficient for optically driven chemical disassociation of a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer; and, an optical delivery system for providing optical delivery of light from the optical source to a combustion chamber. The ignition system is used for a propulsion producing engine having a combustion chamber for the introduction of a fuel and a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer. The initiation of combustion is produced by the non-linear, optical interaction of the produced light with a fuel and the oxidizer present in the combustion chamber, thereby leading to molecular disassociation of the oxidizer such that there is initiation of combustion.

Abstract: The use of hydrocarbon fuels for cooling hypersonic aircraft and missile structures and engines is accomplished by passing fuel through cooling channels in the vehicle. A multicomponent hydrocarbon fuel having a pyrolyzing component which cracks in a supercritical temperature range (above 900.degree. F.) and thus absorbs heat is used in combination with a diluent fuel or fuel component which reduces the rate at which cracked hydrocarbons recombine in the cooling channels, thus causing coking which can clog cooling channels and also release heat to the structure to be cooled. The cracked fuel having absorbed heat and remaining in it's cracked state is in a condition to burn more quickly and energetically in the combustion chamber along with the hot diluent fuel, thus providing an efficient use of the heat absorbed in the cooling process and increasing the performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the integration of structural cooling and fuel treatment within hypersonic vehicles. This is achieved by channeling a hydrocarbon fuel to a portion of the aircraft structure and imparting via the heat sink effect sufficient heat to cause a pyrolysis of the hydrocarbon fuel. After pyrolysis, the resulting fractions are then utilized as a fuel by the vehicle.