china-spearhead Re: A Dazzling New Detonation Engine Could Ignite Hypersonic Travel

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/china-spearheads-new-hypersonic-engine-214038
"Chinese scientists have once again innovated a new technology—and not
just any technology, but an extraordinary new engine that could improve
rotating detonation engines. It could have profound implications for the
global economy and our national security.
Specifically, this invention could have serious impacts on China’s quest
to become the dominant hypersonic weapons power in the world—not just in
terms of military hypersonic capabilities, but even possibly creating
hypersonic aircraft for civilian uses.
What is It?
It’s called a “Ram Rotor Detonation Engine” (RRDE). This hybrid engin fuses elements of both ramjet and pulse detonation engines (PDEs).
Conventional combustion engines use flame propagation for burning fuel.
The Ram Rotor Detonation Engine, however, utilizes detonation to create
a supersonic combustion wave that will result in a more efficient engine
and greater thrust.
The proposed engine operates on a continuous cycle that includes four
main phases. The first is air intake wherein air enters the engine at
extremely high speeds (like a ramjet), compressing that air (the ram
effect of “ramjet”).
Next is fuel injection and mixing. Fuel is injected into the compressed
air, creating combustion.
All this is set up for the actual detonation wave. This is where the
RRDE significantly differs from PDEs, because RRDEs use a rotating
detonation chamber. RRDEs have multiple detonation tubes arrayed in a
radial pattern around a central hub. As the detonation wave travels
around the roto, it continuously ignites new fuel-air mixtures.
Finally, there’s the exhaust. The high-pressure, high-velocity gases
exit through a nozzle, creating thrust for the vehicle employing this
unique and innovative engine. "