RDE Simulator

2D compressible Euler solver — MUSCL-HLLC with H₂/O₂ Arrhenius chemistry, designed to simulate a Rotating Detonation Engine combustor.

This MATLAB solver simulates 2D compressible inviscid flow using the Euler equations. It extends the 1D HLLC-MUSCL framework to two spatial dimensions, adding a reactive scalar λ that evolves via single-step Arrhenius kinetics with subcycling, feeding back into the total energy of each cell through a variable γ.

The domain represents an unwrapped annular RDE combustor: a flat rectangular domain with periodic lateral boundary conditions, H₂/O₂ injection at the bottom through a constant mass flow injector with subsonic/supersonic nozzle solution, and open outflow at the top.

Key features:

• HLLC flux in X and Y directions with pressure-based wave speed estimation (PVRS)
• MUSCL reconstruction with selectable slope limiter (Van Leer, Van Albada, Minbee) in both directions
• Adaptive time-stepping via 2D CFL condition
• Boundary conditions: reflective, transmissive, and mass-flow-controlled injector
• Flux correction to prevent backflow at the injector interface
• Thrust calculation from the outflow face
• Validated against 2D Sod Shock Tube symmetry tests and fuel injection tests
• Interactive GUI (.mlapp) for parameter control and real-time visualization

Current limitations: The solver successfully captures the detonation wave front and produces physically consistent pressure and velocity fields, but does not yet achieve a fully periodic RDE cycle. Residual overpressure after the detonation wave prevents the injector from refueling the domain correctly, so sustained rotating detonation has not been reproduced. This is an open development and contributions or improvements are welcome.

Developed as the final stage of a TFG (Bachelor's Thesis) in Aerospace Engineering, aimed at simulating a Rotating Detonation Engine. The 1D foundation is available separately on MATLAB File Exchange.

Requirements: MATLAB R2020b or later. No additional toolboxes required.