Flow Dynamics in a Rotating Detonation Combustor and Its Interaction with a Turbine Proxy

The pressure field within a rotating detonation combustor (RDC) is highly complex, influenced by the interaction of multiple coexisting detonation waves and internal reflected shock waves. In this study, a high-resolution pressure field was constructed along the RDC axial direction using 11 piezoelectric pressure sensors. Two types of outlet boundary configurations, uniform restrictions and nozzle guide vanes (NGVs), were tested to compare their influence on the upstream pressure field. The results show that, for uniform outlet restrictions, the outlet reflection intensity and the reflection angle increase with the increasing restrictions, leading to a reduction in the contact height between the outlet reflection and the following detonation front. Additionally, the outlet reflection appears to generate a secondary combustion zone near the outlet plane. When NGVs are installed, a bow shock is generated at the leading edge, forming a weaker outlet reflection compared to the uniform restrictions. This suggests a reduced impact of the outlet reflection on the following detonation front. These findings improve the understanding of RDC internal flowfield structures and support the advancement of RDC integration with turbines.