The invention provides an engine for obtaining kinetic rotational energy from the explosive decomposition of individual cartridges of an energetic material. The cartridges are individually ignited as needed, producing a bolus of hot, expanding gas, the energy of which is captured by a piston moving in a circular track. Each cartridge ignition produces a single circuit of the piston around the track. A gearing mechanism transfers the angular momentum of the piston to a flywheel. The engine may be coupled to an electrical generator to form a portable, on-demand electric generator system.

The invention provides an engine for obtaining kinetic rotational energy from the explosive decomposition of individual cartridges of an energetic material. The cartridges are individually ignited as needed, producing a bolus of hot, expanding gas, the energy of which is captured by a piston moving in a circular track. Each cartridge ignition produces a single circuit of the piston around the track. A gearing mechanism transfers the angular momentum of the piston to a flywheel. The engine may be coupled to an electrical generator to form a portable, on-demand electric generator system.

The invention provides an engine for obtaining kinetic rotational energy from the explosive decomposition of individual cartridges of an energetic material. The cartridges are individually ignited as needed, producing a bolus of hot, expanding gas, the energy of which is captured by a piston moving in a circular track. Each cartridge ignition produces a single circuit of the piston around the track. A gearing mechanism transfers the angular momentum of the piston to a flywheel. The engine may be coupled to an electrical generator to form a portable, on-demand electric generator system.

The invention provides an engine for obtaining kinetic rotational energy from the explosive decomposition of individual cartridges of an energetic material. The cartridges are individually ignited as needed, producing a bolus of hot, expanding gas, the energy of which is captured by a piston moving in a circular track. Each cartridge ignition produces a single circuit of the piston around the track. A gearing mechanism transfers the angular momentum of the piston to a flywheel. The engine may be coupled to an electrical generator to form a portable, on-demand electric generator system.