Review Article
Research Progress of Radial-Flow Wave Rotor Technology: A Review
Erlei Gong,
Jianzhong Li,
Zhan Feng,
Tao Zhang,
Jize Liang,
Corresponding Author
Erlei Gong
College of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Changzhou Institute of Technology, No.666 Liaohe Road, Changzhou, 213002 China
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJianzhong Li
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorZhan Feng
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorTao Zhang
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorJize Liang
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorErlei Gong,
Jianzhong Li,
Zhan Feng,
Tao Zhang,
Jize Liang,
Corresponding Author
Erlei Gong
College of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Changzhou Institute of Technology, No.666 Liaohe Road, Changzhou, 213002 China
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJianzhong Li
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorZhan Feng
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorTao Zhang
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorJize Liang
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, No.29 Yudao Street, Nanjing, 210016 China
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 08 July 2025
Abstract
Wave rotor boosting technology offers significant advantages in improving the thermal cycle efficiency of propulsion systems. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recently proposed radial-flow wave rotor technology, focusing on the research progress of radial-flow wave rotor combustors and top-cycle radial-flow wave rotors for ultra-micro gas turbines. The thermal cycle characteristics, structural features, operational principles, and research achievements of these technologies are discussed. The analysis suggests that this technology is still in its developmental phase, characterized by underdeveloped foundational theories and a lack of valuable experimental data and engineering application cases. The summarized technological challenges contribute to guiding the direction of research in radial-flow wave rotor technology.
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