DETOTECH project

Behavior of materials subjected to coupled stresses

The aim of this project is to find materials capable of withstanding the extreme stresses experienced by a rotating detonation wave engine currently under development. The pressures, temperature jumps and heat flows generated during operation of this engine are extremely high. The durability of the stainless steel materials normally used is put to the test. For the time being, this material limitation has confined the project to the proof-of-concept stage.

An original engine already tested in the Centre region, but generally for short periods only

Increasing the energy, ecological and economic performance of aerospace engines is closely linked to the knowledge and performance of new structural architectures using innovative materials. The control of detonation (reactive shockwave system) is one of the avenues being explored by many "aerospace" countries to achieve these objectives. It is therefore essential to continually increase our knowledge of the properties of existing and new materials, and their ability to withstand these different stresses. Until now, tests have been of short duration (usually just a few seconds).

Characterizing the behavior of materials subjected to these reactive waves rotating at several kilometers per second

The aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of the strength of materials subjected to such coupled stresses. This increased knowledge will enable the selection of new material solutions or high-performance coatings. More generally, this research will lead to improved performance and industrial characterization of technical materials (aeronautics, space, defense, etc.). The ultimate aim will be for these new materials to overcome the obstacles currently blocking the emergence of new breakthrough technologies (detonation wave propulsion, etc.).