Rotating Detonation Engine FEA Simulations and Analysis of the Manifold
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To evaluate the RDE manifold under extreme operating conditions, I used both static structural and multi-step transient thermomechanical FEA. Static simulations made sure the manifold and pressure-testing leak plates could withstand high internal pressure loads without yielding. The transient thermomechanical models captured the rapid, cyclic heat fluxes from the detonation dynamics. Doing this helped me map out localized stress concentrations, evaluate thermal fatigue, and make sure the engine design would hold up during sustained firing.
This visualization shows the Von Mises stress and displacement magnitude across the manifold during a transient thermomechanical simulation. For this specific run, a 10-bar internal pressure was applied along with surface and convective heat fluxes to simulate active firing conditions over a 0.5-second time step. The results show that the highest stress and deformation happen along the inner annular channels, which helps optimize the wall thickness and cooling layout before manufacturing.