I've always had an interest in Pulse Jet Engines.  Below is the start of my experience.

My first live experience in 1974 with a "Dyna Jet" engine.

  The above image is my own design of a different type of pulse jet reed valve.  I tried to come up with a way to have the maximum flow with the minimum amount of restriction.  I tried to utilize some of the concepts of the German Argus engine.  My goal was to design and build an easily to manufacture engine that would utilize a straight tube.  Speaking with some of the “experts” in the pulse jet field, it was determined that a straight tube could be usable.  As you can see in the above image, the reed seals against the tube buy its edge.  The curvature of the reed generates its strength against the igniting fuel.  If you look closely, you can see a hole in the mounting bar under the reed.  The idea here is provide a pressure pulse that could pressurize a fuel tank, thus eliminating the need for a fuel pump or restricting venturi.  With the aid of a computer, the profile of the reed can be easily created and cut.  The problem that I have not been able to overcome in the prototype, is trying to get the right curvature.  I’m sure that a rolling die could be built to generate the proper shape, but I have just not been able to create it by hand.  

Another idea.  Just like a pipe organ, a straight tube can resonate if it is the right length.  Most pulse jets have a larger combustion area due to the restriction of the intake valves.  My reed holder should reduce that offset enough to allow for a straight tube.  This new reed holder will utilize a flat reed, but will need to be manufactured via the wire EDM method.  The use of a straight tube should also offset the additional cost of this process.  Below is an exploded view.

E-Mail: rburmeister@watchtv.net