The effect of fuel pretreatment on performance of pulse detonation rocket engines

► We compare the efficiency of five different heat exchangers. ► Harnessing the waste heat of the engine to preheat kerosene will not affect the operation of PDRE. ► Kerosene preheating based on active cooling will prolong the operation time of PDRE and improve engine performance. ► Adding additives to fuel will reduce the detonation initiation time of PDRE. ► We examine the effects of four different addictives on detonation initiation time of PDRE.