Shock Tube Diagnostics and Performance Improvements

Abstract

We propose to acquire equipment to upgrade our shock tubes and enable improved and extended measurement of multi-species time-histories during the pyrolysis and oxidation of real fuels. We currently are able to make quantitative measurements of ethylene, methane and iso-butene. Here we propose to expand this capability to include additional species in our current ARO shock tube and in another shock tube we are refurbishing. The combined capabilities of these two shock tube facilities will be unique in the world and will allow the first direct comparisons of species data obtained in our facilities using different experimental methods, as well as the first comparisons between GC-sampling data obtained at Stanford and at UIC (Ken Brezinsky). Our request includes a new liquid fuel handling system, a multi-purpose diagnostics test section, and two laser systems. The liquid fuel handling system will enable improved shock tube loading of condensable fuels (e.g. jet fuels). The new diagnostic test section will enable combined use of in situ laser absorption, ex situ GC analysis of sampled gases, and chemiluminescence end-wall imaging. One of the laser systems will provide tunable radiation in the 9.6 to 11.4 micron range using a quantum cascade laser enabling access to multiple alkene species important in combustion processes. The other laser system will operate in the mid-IR with two tunable diode lasers, near 3.4 and 3.2 microns, enabling improved measurements of the real-fuel concentration as well as aromatic species. This equipment will be used in the training and education of the next generation of graduate students in mechanical engineering in an area of interest to the Army. Approved for Public Release.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Sep 11, 2018
Source ID
W911NF1710423

Entities

People

  • Ronald Kent Hanson

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Stanford University
  • United States Army

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Quantum Computing