Innovations in Detonative Propulsion Systems for Hypersonic Applications

  • 1,610

    Total views and downloads

About this Research Topic

Submission deadlines

  1. Manuscript Submission Deadline 31 March 2026

  2. This Research Topic is currently accepting articles.

Background

Detonative propulsion represents a cutting-edge technology with the potential to revolutionize aerospace engineering by enabling hypersonic flight. This innovative propulsion method harnesses the energy of detonation waves to generate thrust, encompassing various configurations such as pulse detonation engines, rotating detonation engines, and oblique detonation engines. These systems offer promising avenues for achieving unprecedented performance in aerospace applications.

These technologies include, but are not limited to, the following: Shock wave, oblique detonation engine, rotating detonation engine, pulse detonation engine.

The problem to address in this research topic is the development of advanced detonative propulsion systems for hypersonic flight, focusing on improving efficiency, stability, and scalability. Recent advances include the optimization of pulse detonation engines (PDEs), rotating detonation engines (RDEs), and oblique detonation engines (ODEs), as well as advancements in high-fidelity modeling and experimental validation. To achieve this, research should explore novel combustion mechanisms, advanced materials for thermal protection, and innovative designs for detonation wave control. Contributions could include experimental studies, computational simulations, and theoretical analyses to advance the field.

The research scope includes, but is not limited to, the following specific themes:

• Detonation Wave Dynamics: Fundamental studies on the generation, propagation, and control of detonation waves in various propulsion systems.

• Engine Design and Performance: Development and optimization of pulse detonation engines (PDEs), rotating detonation engines (RDEs), and oblique detonation engines (ODEs).

• Combustion and Thermochemical Processes: Investigation of high-speed combustion mechanisms, energy release, and efficiency in detonative propulsion systems.

• Multiphase Flow and Erosion: Analysis of multiphase flow phenomena, material erosion, and durability of components under extreme conditions.

• Thermal Management and Materials: Research on heat transfer, thermal protection systems, and advanced materials for withstanding high-temperature environments.

• Numerical Modeling and Simulation: Development of high-fidelity computational models to predict detonation wave behavior, flow dynamics, and engine performance.

• Experimental Techniques and Validation: Design of experiments, novel diagnostic techniques, and validation of theoretical and numerical results.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

  • Brief Research Report
  • Editorial
  • FAIR² Data
  • FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
  • Hypothesis and Theory
  • Methods
  • Mini Review
  • Opinion
  • Original Research

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Keywords: Detonative propulsion, shock wave, oblique detonation engine, rotating detonation engine, pulse detonation engine

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Topic editors

Manuscripts can be submitted to this Research Topic via the main journal or any other participating journal.

Impact

  • 1,610Topic views
View impact