Pulsejet propulsion is spelled as /pʌlsdʒɛt prəˈpʌlʃən/. It is a type of jet engine that operates by producing pulses of combustion in the engine. The spelling of pulsejet is derived from the word 'pulse', which refers to the pulsating nature of the engine. On the other hand, propulsion is spelled as it sounds, and refers to the thrust generated for propulsion of the aircraft or vehicle. Pulsejet propulsion is commonly used in lighter, unmanned aerial vehicles as well as specialized missiles due to its simplicity, low cost and high reliability.
Pulsejet propulsion is a type of jet propulsion system that operates by periodic combustion of fuel-air mixtures in discrete cycles or pulses. It is a simple, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive propulsion method that finds its applications in various fields.
The principle behind pulsejet propulsion involves the intake of air through an inlet valve and the compression of this air within the combustion chamber. Fuel is then injected into the chamber and ignited, resulting in a rapid increase in pressure. As the pressure rises, the exhaust valve at the rear of the combustion chamber opens, allowing the hot combustion gases to rapidly escape, creating thrust. This process repeats cyclically, with the pulsating nature of the combustion providing the characteristic sound associated with pulsejet engines.
Pulsejet propulsion offers some advantages such as its simplicity, adaptability, and potential for high speeds. It is often used in model aircraft, small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and even in some guided missiles. Its relative simplicity and lightweight nature make pulsejet engines attractive for certain applications where cost and weight are important factors, although they generally have limited fuel efficiency compared to other jet engines.
However, pulsejet propulsion also presents some limitations. It is known for being loud and inefficient at low speeds. The intermittent combustion cycles and overlapping shockwaves in the combustion chamber can cause vibrations and stress on the engine structure, which may limit the operational lifespan. Additionally, pulsejet engines lack the ability to vary their thrust easily, making them less suitable for applications requiring precise control or variable speeds.
The word "pulsejet" is a combination of two different terms.
The first part, "pulse", comes from the Latin word "pulsare", which means "to beat" or "to pulse". This refers to the intermittent combustion process that characterizes a pulsejet engine. Instead of continuous combustion like in conventional engines, pulsejets operate by igniting the fuel-air mixture in a series of rapid pulses or explosions.
The second part, "jet", is derived from the French word "jeter", meaning "to throw". In the context of propulsion, "jet" refers to the high-speed expulsion of gases resulting from the pulse combustion. The exhaust gases are expelled with considerable force, creating the thrust necessary for propulsion.