It’s Not Rocket Science… It’s Materials Science

Imagine an engine with no moving parts that runs on continuous explosions. I’m actually sure I one saw a hilarious video of such a device some years ago but alas, am unable to find it and share. Still, the image of the poor occupants being constantly pressed into their seats and accelerated in a series of explosions is likely to be quite a long way from the reality of the new Rotation Detonation Engine. The team of researchers Lehigh University are behind the idea and have just received $2 million to solve the biggest challenge standing in its way, finding materials to build the thing out of that are tough enough to survive the punishment.