Rotating detonation propulsion technology for high-speed aircrafts

High-performance propulsion technology is one of the core issues for high-speed aircrafts which are of important strategic value. The "thrust trap" problem in current propulsion systems based on the Brayton cycle can be avoided by the rotation detonation. Consequently, the rotating detonation propulsion technology has significant advantages and is expected to help high-speed aircrafts achieve long-term development. To this end, this article summarizes the rotation detonation combustion process and analysis models. The performance advantages and research progress of propulsion systems based on the rotation detonation are introduced as well. Furthermore, the design requirements of the intake and exhaust systems for rotating detonation ramjets by taking the unsteady combustion into effect are discussed. Feasible measures to suppress the back propagation of pressure waves in the inlet are validated through numerical simulations. Finally, prospects of propulsion systems based on the rotation detonation are proposed.