Abstract: A pulse detonation combustor valve assembly contains at least one pulse detonation combustor having an inlet portion through which air and/or fuel enters the chamber of the combustor. An annular rotating valve portion is positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the pulse detonation combustor and concentrically with the pulse detonation combustor so that the annular rotating valve portion can be rotated with respect to the combustor. The annular rotating valve portion contains at least one inlet portion through which air and/or fuel passes to enter the inlet portion of the pulse detonation combustor.

Abstract: A pulse detonation combustor assembly contains at least one PDC tube, a mechanical air flow valve which directs an air flow into the PDC tube, where the mechanical air flow assembly changes a rate of the air flow into the PDC tube during a fill stage of the PDC tube. The assembly also contains a fuel flow control valve which directs fuel to the PDC tube and changes the rate of the fuel flow into PDC tube. By controlling the flow of the fuel and air into the PDC tube the equivalence ratio profile of the PDC tube can be tailored and controlled.

Abstract: A pulsed detonation combustor (PDC) is described. The PDC includes an outer casing defining a first hollow chamber configured to receive a flow and an inner liner. The inner liner includes at least one portion positioned within the first hollow chamber and configured to receive the flow from a plenum formed between the outer casing and inner liner. The PDC further includes a flow turning device with geometric features configured to direct the flow from the plenum to a second hollow chamber defined within the inner liner. The PDC also includes at least one fuel injection port located downstream of an inlet to the outer casing and an ignition device located downstream of the at least one fuel injection port and configured to periodically ignite fuel.

Abstract: A system for generating thrust is provided. The system includes a first injector, an inner tube configured to receive fuel from the first injector via a first port of the inner tube, where at least a portion of fuel in liquid phase received by the inner tube is configured to flash vaporize upon entering the inner tube via the first port.

Abstract: A system for efficiently creating cyclic detonations is provided. The system includes at least a first initiator chamber configured to generate an initial wave, at least one main chamber coupled to the first initiator chamber. The main chamber is configured to generate a main wave and to output products of supersonic combustion. The products are generated within the main chamber. The main chamber is configured to enable the main wave to travel upstream and downstream within the main chamber when the first initiator chamber is located outside the main chamber. The system further includes an initial connection section located between the first initiator chamber and the main chamber that enhances a combustion process via shock focusing and shock reflection.