ROTATING DETONATION ENGINE
Why Hacker News recommends it
Cited as an approachable hobbyist look at RDEs in threads on detonation-powered rockets.
What it is
A hobbyist build-and-experiment video on rotating detonation engines (RDEs), where a continuous detonation wave spins around an annular chamber. The creator 3D prints parts and tests a small engine, while being candid about uncertainty over whether a true rotating wave was achieved.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2022 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends magicalhippo · 2025-05 · on “In the US, a rotating detonation rocket engine takes flight”
Integza made a YouTube video[1] where he visited a lab where they had a RDE, and includes some nice explanations, animations and slow-mos of the prototype in action. His channel has a certain flavor, but at least the video is informative. [1]: [this video]
Cites zackmorris · 2022-10 · on “Japan tests explosion-powered rocket for the first time in space (2021)”
That's funny, I was just watching a hobbyist video about rotating detonation engines (RDEs): [this video] I live vicariously through channels like Integza and Tom Stanton. I've wanted to do some of this stuff for over 20 years, specifically electrohydrodynamic (EHD) engines, but spent nearly the entirety of the last 2 decades merely surviving. It's a strange feeling to watch the world make basically no progress over many years, then suddenly go through an inflection point where suddenly everything is solved and there's no way to catch up. Like with flying cars, reusable rockets, AI.. I dunno, I just feel really inspired, but am also mourning the passing of my own life and all that wasted potentia
Cites ben_w · 2025-06 · on “A Review of Aerospike Nozzles: Current Trends in Aerospace Applications”
I know Integza tried , but did he ever confirm his engine was doing a rotating detonation? He said near the end of the video 2 years ago, "I'm not sure if I got a rotating detonation wave": [this video]