Development of X-ray based Diagnostics for Solid Propulsion
Abstract
Solid propulsion systems are used for a variety of Navy missiles. The combustion and fluid dynamic processes involved create a hostile environment that traditional optical based diagnostics cannot probe efficiently. In order to overcome that challenge, synchrotron-based x-rays are proposed to understand aspects of mixing, multiphase flow and physics, and combustion chemistry within a miniature slab burner. The dynamics of solid fuel ramjets (SFRJ) will be the focus of these diagnostics, however, it is anticipated that they may be extended to solid and hybrid propellant motors as well. Initial work will focus on the development of a portable, miniature slab burner that is equipped to be used in synchrotron facilities. The burner will utilize a flow heater to simulate shock heated air present in SFRJ operation. Experiments using phase contrast imaging seek to understand the agglomeration process of boron based additives, regression rates of solid fuels, and additional aspects of multiphase flow. X-ray fluorescence and absorption will be used to quantify mixing of incoming air with volatizing fuel and the core electrons present in heavier elements to provide details of the reaction chemistry. Finally, integration of optical diagnostics such as particle image velocimetry, planar laser induced fluorescence, etc. with the synchrotron diagnostics will provide a full description of SFRJ combustion. These results and progress will enable faster development of high fidelity models and next generation propulsion systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012711
Entities
People
- Joseph Kalman
Organizations
- California State University, Long Beach
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy