Oblique Detonation Waves for Ultra-High Mach Hypersonic and space propulsion
Abstract
Achieving ultra-high-speed flight at hypersonic speeds is now a national priority and an international focus driving the hypersonics and space race. Such systems would allow flight through our atmosphere at very high speeds and allow efficient entry and exit from planetary atmospheres making hypersonic defense systems, space exploration, and intercontinental travel as routine as intercity travel is today. Advanced hypersonic propulsion systems are needed to maintain the technological superiority of DoD, U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army relative to the growing technological threat from adversaries. Detonations, a shock-coupled reaction, provide the key to high energy release for DoD hypersonic and space propulsion for missiles, rockets, and aircraft engines. Detonations travel at hypersonic speeds, five times the speed of sound and above 2 km/s (4,500 miles per hour) therefore a high-speed reactant mixture is needed to stabilize the detonation. The proposed research is based on a recent discovery of the experimental configuration and flow conditions that generate a stabilized oblique detonation, a phenomenon that has the potential to revolutionize hypersonic propulsion for atmospheric and space flights. The proposed program will establish the fundamental limits of detonation physics and explore the stability and dynamics of oblique detonation waves. The research will explore the fundamental scientific knowledge in four critical areas: (1) mechanism for stabilizing the oblique detonation wave, (2) shock strength effect on auto-ignition delay and reaction coupling, (3) Mach number effect on the detonation, and (4) performance of the detonation wave. The focus of the research will be on studying the oblique detonation physics in the high-enthalpy reaction facility (HyperReact) that is optically accessible at University of Central Florida that was recently developed under a AFOSR grant. The proposed investigation heavily leverages and substantially expands on a recent DoD equipment grant to conduct high-speed 4D time-resolved flow-flame measurements utilizing ultra-fast advanced laser and camera diagnostic equipment. An integrated research-and-education program is proposed to augment the institutional curriculum, training, and education in STEM through the proposed program. 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 through this program will provide educational opportunities for students from local high schools, undergraduate and graduate research Theses, minority STEM outreach programs, curriculum project-based learning, and professional education. 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
- May 24, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310236
Entities
People
- Kareem Ahmed
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Central Florida