IIT Kanpur's new facility to further research into the physics of detonations

Funded by the Aeronautics Research and Development Board, DRDO, and Isro, the DTRF successfully demonstrated the propagation of a detonation wave in a laboratory setting for the first time in India.

In Short

• The facility's research aims to address a wide range of applications
• It will research from preventing mining and industrial accidents to predicting wildfire paths
• It will also contribute to strengthening safety protocols

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has unveiled a new Detonation Tube Research Facility (DTRF), marking a significant advancement in combustion and propulsion research.

This state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind in India and among only a few globally, was developed by Prof. Ajay Vikram Singh and his team from the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Funded by the Aeronautics Research and Development Board, DRDO, and ISRO, the DTRF successfully demonstrated the propagation of a detonation wave in a laboratory setting for the first time in India.

This achievement was accomplished in a record time of two years, showcasing the rapid progress in this field of research.

The facility's research aims to address a wide range of applications, from preventing mining and industrial accidents to predicting wildfire paths and increasing the efficiency of high-speed detonation-based engines.

It will also contribute to strengthening safety protocols in various industries and enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena like supernovas.

Prof. Singh emphasised the facility's role in exploring the physics behind detonations and explosions, with a focus on flame acceleration mechanisms in confined spaces.

This knowledge is critical for preventing severe explosions in processing units and storage facilities, thereby enhancing safety across multiple industries.

A key area of research at the DTRF is the development of Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs), which offer up to 25% greater fuel efficiency and higher energy density compared to conventional engines.

This technology has potential applications in space exploration and military aircraft.

The DTRF is equipped with advanced diagnostic systems and data acquisition tools, positioning it at the forefront of detonation wave research.

Its establishment not only bolsters academic research but also promises practical solutions for industries reliant on combustion processes, potentially revolutionising safety protocols and engine efficiency in aerospace and other sectors.