Electrostatic fuel injector technology will provide the Navy a unique opportunity to maximize Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) wave speed and thrust with minimum cost and complexity. Both SPRAY TRIODE and MEMS mockup (<.01 lbm/sec) electrostatic atomization technology, including benchtop PDPA atomization measurement, will be evaluated during Phase I. Charged Injection Corporation will team with CFD Research Corporation and the Navy Postgraduate School to perform an analytical comparison of electrostatic versus conventional PDE fuel injection. Work will focus on providing: 1) a multi-orificed design capable of flowing >0.5 lbm/sec at <50 psid, with an 8 micron SMD droplet plume and, 2) functional on-off pulsing operability up to 200 Hz with durability in excess of 600 seconds under nominal PDE operating conditions. Current power requirements to achieve this performance will be less than 10 watts with a total system weight and volume < four pounds and 54 (3x3x6) cubic inches. Phase II will focus on fabrication and demonstration of a flight configured prototype unit. Test and evaluation will include measurements of droplet size and distribution at all operating conditions while exceeding all operational specifications. One complete unit, with adequate spare parts, will be delivered to the Navy to support rigorous test and evaluation in an actual PDE test environment. By providing quantum enhancement of the fuel atomization and mixing processes, and reduction in fuel delivery pressure, the proposed electrostatic atomization technology can revolutionize PDE technology. The ultimate commercial potential of inserting this technology within the aerospace propulsion, power generation, and reciprocating engine industries exceeds the typical SBIR commercialization scale.
