Energy Efficient Transient: Plasma Ignition: Physics and Technology
Abstract
The project has conducted basic studies of flame ignition collaborative studies of pulse detonation ignition, and preliminary studies of fundamental issues relevant to the application of transient plasma as an ignition source for Air Force high-speed aircraft applications. Preliminary basic science experiments have been conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) using planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) for investigation of radical production and ignition delay. Very strong enhancement of radical species throughout the combusting volume using transient plasma for ignition (TPI) was demonstrated using PLIF, and the production of electronically excited species was well coordinated with TPI. In another study at AFRL systems were interfaced successfully with a pulse detonation engine (PDE), and data were taken for a variety of electrode lengths while burning aviation gasoline and ethylene. The project work also included development of appropriate ignition systems for these studies, comprised of pulse sources, transmission lines (cabling appropriate for nanosecond power pulses), and electrodes, and extending the work from laboratory pulse generation capabilities to considerable reduction in size and weight of the ignition pulse generation. This reduction is a critical issue in the application of this technology. The electrical engineering issues inherent in the application of the short pulses to fuel-air mixtures at various pressures and in a variety of geometries were addressed successfully in the project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 30, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468806
Entities
People
- Martin A. Gundersen
Organizations
- University of Southern California