Posted on 08/22/2021 5:28:49 PM PDT by BenLurkin
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced that it has successfully demonstrated the operation of a “rotating detonation engine” for the first time in space. The novelty of the technologies in question is that such systems obtain a large amount of thrust by using much less fuel compared to conventional rocket engines, which is quite advantageous for space exploration.
On July 27, the Japanese agency launched a pair of futuristic propulsion systems into space to carry out the first tests. They were launched from the Uchinoura Space Center aboard the S-520-31, a single-stage rocket capable of lofting a 220 lbs (100 kg) payload well above 186 miles (300 km). After recovering the rocket from the ocean, the JAXA team of engineers analyzed the data and confirmed the success of the mission, which put the new system at an estimated altitude of (146 miles) 234.9 km.
The rotating detonation engine uses a series of controlled explosions that travel around an annular channel in a continuous loop. This process generates a large amount of super-efficient thrust coming from a much smaller engine using significantly less fuel – which also means sending less weight on a space launch. According to JAXA, it has the potential to be a game-changer for deep space exploration.
(Excerpt) Read more at inceptivemind.com ...
Don’t know about the burn efficiency. I know the supersonic burn front has major implications, but conflagration vs detonation and what isn’t burned? Haven’t looked at it.
I do know the engine is smaller so what waste heat there is has less area. Like I said, real world... no clue. Its like communism. In theory and for ants it works great. Real world, not so much.
Physics says less waste heat.
The burn efficiency is in the range of a 25% improvement.
A ton of unburnt fuel goes out the back of a normal rocket engine.
I might be a flying monkey by trade, but I am an aeronautical engineer by training.
It would be a significant improvement.
Thank you. It will be interesting to see how this works out...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.