Abstract: To explore the feasibility of smallscale pulse detonation engine(SPDE) propulsion systems，an investigation is conducted on some key techniques of SPDE, including aerovalve design, fuel atomization and mixing, improved ignition reliability and enhanced combustion. An SPDE model is designed with an aerovalve 29 mm in diameter and an overall length of 1 175 mm. The model performs with kerosene as fuel under the condition of filling air by an airblower, and is ignited by a spark plug with low energy. Multicycle detonation experiments show that the SPDE model can steadily operate at the frequency range of 2040 Hz. It is observed that the average peak value of the detonation wave pressure is more than 145 MPa. As the operating frequency increases, the values of the detonation wave pressure and velocity inside the detonation chamber both show a decreasing tendency. The experimental results provide a basis for further investigation on fuel atomization, vaporization and mixing within limited space and time, and are useful for the development of engineering application of SPDE.

Key words: smallscale propulsion system, pulse detonation engine, aerovalve, twophase, multicycle detonation experiment