Continuous spin detonation of methane/hydrogen-air mixtures with additional injection of air to combustion products

Results of experimental investigations in a flow-type annular cylindrical combustor with an outer diameter d_c = 503 mm are reported. The influence of air addition to products of continuous spin detonation of a CH₄ + 8H₂ - air mixture on detonation wave parameters, pressures in the combustor, and specific impulse is studied. The range of existence of continuous spin detonation in terms of the specific flow rate of the mixture through the combustor cross section is extended to 1360 kg/(s·m²), whereas the equivalence ratio is reduced to φ_∑ = 0.4. It is shown that addition of air to detonation products up to the level of the air flow rate in the main injection system increases the velocity of continuous spin detonation, pressure in the combustor, and thrust, whereas the specific flow rate of the fuel decreases.