High Power Optical Diagnostics for Large Hydrocarbon Fuel Combustion and Flame Research
Abstract
This proposal seeks the acquisition of a highly unique optical diagnostic instrument for combustion and reacting flow research. This facility will service the general research interests of the Department of Defense, across all branches. The proposed instrument leverages existing equipment and collaborations with the U.S. Air Force Academy, particularly the use of a $500k high-power pulsed Nd:YAG laser available by way of a CRADA. The high-power laser, which generates 5 J/pulse @ 532 nm with a pulse duration of 20 ns, combined with the equipment proposed herein will be used to carry out simultaneous formaldehyde (CH2O) and hydroxyl radical (OH) planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements in combination with light scattering (Rayleigh or Mie) temperature profile measurements with unprecedented field of view. The combination of these diagnostics will provide the ability to map with a high degree of sensitivity, the local temperature, low temperature combustion activity, and high temperature combustion propensity of a multiphase reacting flow. The PLIF/light scattering system will provide key details regarding turbulent flame structures and associated flame stabilization mechanisms required to develop advanced combustion and propulsion systems of interest to the DoD. The instrumentation will serve as the backbone of future AFOSR, ARO, ONR, and DoD research proposals by the PI and other members of the UCCS research faculty. The instrumentation will be ideal for student research, starting with freshman through doctoral graduate researchers and will equip a laboratory which is highly active in undergraduate research and a regular participant in the UCCS Undergraduate Research Academy. The historical demographic which this University serves consists primarily of Southern Colorado and the Southwest United States, commensurate with the intended beneficiaries of this call. To garner greater interest in STEM education and attract and retain interested and motivated students to UCCS and the College of Engineering, the proposed diagnostic system will serve as a focal point for functions and lab tours organized by the PI and UCCS STEM outreach programs. Additional STEM outreach to the community will also be made possible by a partnership with the National Museum for World War II Aviation located in Colorado Springs which will provide a venue to engage students of all levels and present the science behind flight and propulsion. Benefits to the Department of Defense À The equipment will contribute to a state of the art facility able to perform fundamental and practical combustion/propulsion research of interest to all branches of the DoD. À Funding will equip the fastest growing Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department in Colorado with the tools to be a competitive force in the DoD research funding arena. À The equipment will provide undergraduate and graduate students with state of the art research experiences to prepare the next generation of DoD employed/contracted research scientists. À STEM outreach made possible by the equipment will inspire minority students of all levels to pursue STEM related educational paths and careers, strengthening the technological proficiency of the nation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1610501
Entities
People
- Andrew Ketsdever
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Colorado, at Colorado Springs