Abstract: A fuel composed of water, a compound in which free radicals have been generated and a solute that stabilizes the free radicals while the fuel is in the liquid state but which releases the free radicals when the fuel is sprayed (vaporized) so that the free radicals then dissociate the water to form hydrogen gas in sufficient concentration to support combustion. The most readily available compounds in which free radicals can be generated to provide the fuel are hydrocarbons and carbohydrates. Free radicals may be generated in solids (e.g., sugar) by charring and grinding the sugar then mixing with acid. Free radicals may be generated in liquids by adding an acid. Polar liquids such as alcohols, aldehydes and ketones have been found to be the most effective stabilizers.

Abstract: At least two gas combustion tubes disposed in an end-to-end relationship provide an elongate combustion chamber closed at both ends. A fuel mixture admitted alternatively into each closed end is ignited for generating positive pressure pulses traveling from one end of the chamber to the other. The combustion energy at one end compressed the fuel mixture from the other to permit ignition. A standing wave thus is formed having a pressure anti-node at each of the closed ends. The combustion chamber length is fixed relative to the frequency of the alternating ignitions to produce in the chamber a standing wave having an even number of quarter wave lengths with pressure anti-nodes and velocity nodes at its ends. The wave form thus has a pressure node and velocity anti-node at its mid-point. Combustion gases are discharged at this mid-point to a storage reservoir and, from the reservoir, to the propulsion turbine.