Laser-Induced Fluorescence and Performance Analysis of the Ultra-Compact Combustor

Abstract

The AFIT Combustion Optimization and Analysis Laser (COAL) lab?s modular design and precision diagnostic systems make it an important facility for analying combustion processes. The objectives of this research are to install lab enhancements, validate the laser diagnostic system, characterize the igniter for AFIT?s Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC) sections, and perform a laser diagnostic, performance, and video analysis of a flat-cavity UCC section. Laser system validation was accomplished using OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) in a laminar hydrogen-air flame produced by a Hencken burner. Results are compared to previous research. Ratios of intensities and excitation scans in the OH (A-X) (1-0) electronic transition system are used to measure temperature and species concentrations. Igniter characterization was accomplished using open-air flammability and flame height observations to select an operating condition and validated by attaching the igniter to the UCC section. An operating procedure is recommended. A PLIF flame location study using quartz windows on the combustor was performed in the cavity-vane area. Performance measurements and video footage were acquired in order to analyze the system. Results are compared to previous experimental and CFD research. Future work will include two-color PLIF and other laser studies of different locations inside flat- and curved-cavity UCC sections.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA483258

Entities

People

  • Patrick J. Lakusta

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Calorific Value
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Gas Turbines
  • Heat Transfer
  • Ignition
  • Laser Induced Fluorescence
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Optics
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems