Ultra-High-Speed Imaging and Laser Diagnostics for Hypersonics Research
Abstract
The acceleration of hypersonic technology development is of elevated national priority for the defense against the growing technological threat from adversaries. Advanced high energetic modes of hypersonic propulsion systems are required to maintain the technological superiority of the DoD Agencies, U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army. Hypersonic flow regimes are at extreme conditions that make it challenging to conduct diagnostic measurements for research explorations. For example, our hypersonic Mach 5 to 7 facility experiences extreme velocities, pressures, and temperatures requiring unique ultra-high-speed imaging diagnostic system equipment at 1 MHz and above. For Mach 5-7 reacting flow, the velocities are five to seven times the speed of sound, 2,000-2800 m/s (4,474-6,264 miles per hour), pressures are on the order of 15 to 135 atmospheres, and temperatures ~ 4,000 K (6750 F). This necessitates unique ultra-high-speed camera and laser diagnostic techniques to make measurements and explore hypersonic reacting flow physics. The proposed ultra-high-speed camera and laser diagnostic equipment is key to exploring hypersonic turbulent reacting flows. The goal is to couple these advanced diagnostics to our optically accessible facilities to make measurements and explore the physics of the hypersonic turbulent reacting flow. The PI is currently sponsored under an AFOSR grant to research and develop for the first-time hypersonic stabilized-standing detonation. This discovery is presented in our Science paper and Proceedings of the Combustion Institute distinguished award paper highlighting the significance and the need for scientific advancement. The proposed equipment heavily leverages the AFOSR current funded project and extend its impact by providing the crucially needed equipment for the investigation of the hypersonic turbulent reacting flow. The AFOSR funding provides the fundamental understanding and support for the students to conduct the research which will be leveraged and coupled with the proposed equipment to investigate the hypersonic stabilized-standing detonation. The study will focus on experimental measurements and analyses utilizing the proposed ultra-high-speed imaging diagnostic equipment for high-speed three-dimensional (3D) velocity and temperature along with pressure measurements. An integrated research-and-education program is proposed to augment the institutional research, curriculum, training, and education in STEM using the proposed equipment. The overarching goal is to drive student growth in STEM disciplines, championing three key innovative initiatives: (i) Outreach and Learning, (ii) Course Curriculum, and (iii) Public and Professional Education. The measurements and data acquired using the proposed equipment will provide educational opportunities for students from local high-schools, undergraduate and graduate research Theses and Dissertations, minority STEM outreach programs, curriculum project-based learning, and professional education. The data will provide new understanding and validation data for predictive numerical models under conditions that are relevant to hypersonic systems. The knowledge gained from this investigation will significantly advance the performance of efficient DoD propulsion systems for warfighter dominance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110234
Entities
People
- Kareem Ahmed
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Central Florida