Detonation Waves on Enhancing Aerospace Propulsion Systems Performances: A Review

Detonation-based combustion has re-emerged as a promising pathway for enhancing the efficiency and compactness of future aerospace propulsion systems, motivated by the intrinsic pressure-gain characteristics of detonative heat release. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the physical foundations, technological progress, and practical limitations associated with pulse detonation engines, rotating detonation engines, and standing or oblique detonation wave concepts. By tracing the evolution from early theoretical models and laboratory-scale demonstrations to engine-relevant configurations, this article highlights how detonation physics, ignition mechanisms, wave stability, and flow–structure interactions collectively govern propulsion performance. Particular attention is paid to recent experimental and numerical studies, with the review focusing on their technological impact and on the feasibility of integrating detonation-based propulsion concepts into practical aerospace systems. The analysis evaluates these approaches’ potential to enhance system-level performance compared to conventional propulsion technologies, while highlighting key challenges associated with scalability, operability, and compatibility with existing aerospace architectures. The review further identifies emerging design strategies, including geometry tailoring, adaptive flow control, and hybrid architectures, as key enablers for extending operability and system integration. Overall, the findings indicate that future progress in detonation-based propulsion will depend less on demonstrating detonation itself and more on achieving robust, controllable, and scalable implementations suitable for realistic aerospace applications.