Study on multi-cycle detonations and DDT enhancement in a millimeter-scale spiral channel with a turbine at the exit

The concept of power-MEMS technology has garnered significant attention in recent decades. However, research on microscale detonation, which exhibits excellent energy conversion performance at the microscale, is scarce. To enhance the multi-cycle performance of microscale detonation, this study utilized hydrogen as fuel to investigate multi-cycle detonation and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) enhancement strategies within a millimeter-scale Archimedean spiral channel. A control method tailored to the characteristics of microscale detonation devices was proposed, incorporating two supply pressures and four critical timings. Multi-cycle detonation was tested at frequencies of 10-50 Hz, achieving controllable and stable DDT. The high-pressure, high-velocity flow field from fuel injection promotes flame acceleration and is adjustable via ignition timing. The DDT distance can be reduced by 60% using this method. Combined with Tesla turbine pressurization, this approach enables the first hydrogen-air detonation in a turbine-ended micro-channel. These findings provide new insights for the development of micro hydrogen energy systems.