A Pulsed-Combustion Engine

A simple yet far-reaching alternative to Diesel and gasoline engines uses a modification of Brayton's original piston engine cycle. Background and design description is given for a pulse-turbine multi-fuel engine (U.S. Pat. 4,336,686) which uses radial pistons to achieve a high compression ratio in a single stage. Sleeve valve ports control admission and discharge to a pulsed-combustion process in a central chamber, followed by full-expansion energy conversion. Analyses have shown potential for better fuel utilisation than conventional reciprocating or gas- turbine engines. Compact installations would be less than half the size and weight needed for an equivalent Diesel engine. Compressor testing has shown the radially -balanced piston arrangement to be substantially vibration-free. A ceramic combustion chamber and expansion cylinder components can be readily incorporated.