Pulse Jar

Pulse jets in jars operate by creating rapid, cyclical combustion events rather than a continuous burn, allowing them to sustain thrust without immediately exhausting their gas supply.

When the fuel-air mixture ignites, the combustion generates a pressure wave that exits the jar, creating thrust and briefly lowering pressure inside.

This drop pulls in fresh air and fuel through the intake before the next ignition.

The momentary flame extinction and recharging phase between pulses prevent continuous combustion, effectively metering the fuel burn in rhythmic bursts.

This cycling, often hundreds of times per second, allows pulse jets to run on a limited fuel supply much longer than a continuous flame would.