Interactions of supersonic projectiles with large droplets and aerosol-laden flows
Abstract
We seek to acquire equipment that will enhance the performance and diagnostic capabilities of thesingle-stage light-gas gun at the University of Maryland, specifically for the study of high-speedmulti-phase flows produced when supersonic projectiles or vehicles fly through environments withliquid droplets or solid particulates. Enhancements to the gas-gun facility itself include: a gasbooster to increase the maximum operational pressure from 4000 to 8000 psi, increasing themaximum projectile velocity that can be attained; a second facility test section to allowvisualization of the surface damage to projectiles following the droplet/particulate interactions;and a large droplet generator for introducing liquid aerosols up to 100 microns in diameter (i.e.,the maximum size of raincloud droplets) into the test-section air. For diagnostic enhancements, wewill acquire an ultra-high-speed camera capable of recording full-resolution (0.7 Megapixel)images at 7 million frames per second, together with an ultra-high-speed control unit for theassociated laser light source; this will allow time-resolved visualizations and optical diagnosticsof the droplet interactions in the multi-phase flow. Additionally, a telecentric illumination andimaging system will be procured for visualization of the projectile surface damage fromparticulate/droplet impacts. A secondary objective of these enhancements is to make the facilitysuitable for performing experiments on hypersonic laminar-to-turbulent boundary-layer transition;in particular, it will provide a unique ground-test capability for conducting high-Reynolds-numbertransition experiments in a low-noise or controlled disturbance environment with independentcontrol of the relevant nondimensional parameters (Mach number, Reynolds number, and walltemperature ratio).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112314
Entities
People
- Stuart Laurence
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Maryland