Radical Fluorescence Studies with Liquid Propellants.
Abstract
In the development of liguid propellants for regenerative guns, the physical location of ignition and combustion of a jet or spray of propellant as it enters the combustion chamber can provide insight into the rate of energy release in these systems. Radical fluorescence emission has been characterized for the combustion of typical liquid monopropellants composed of hydroxylammonium nitrate, an aliphatic ammonium nitrate, and water. Ignition of the samples was done by injection of a spray into a hydrogen-air diffusion flame. Positive identification was made of the following key radical species: NH, CN, C2, CH, and NO2. Possible signals from NH2 were also observed. The OH radical, already present in the flame, gave diminished emission due to the cooling effect of the LP on these flames at atmospheric pressure. NCO was likely present, but would not have been observed under the conditions of these observations. From the convolution of light intensity and detector response, the radical CN is the clear choice for maximum signal-to-noise ratio. Preliminary two-dimensional imaging of the fluorescene was done to demonstrate the utility of the technique for the study of liquid propellant sprays. Thus, the probability of success for active laser probing of LP spray combustion looks excellent, with the prime candidate for probing being the CN molecule. Other candidates such as C2 and NO2 are possible candidates with continuous or high rate metal vapor lasers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA163472
Entities
People
- Richard A. Beyer
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory