Plume Velocimetry Diagnostic for Large Rocket Engines

A technique for measuring velocity in rocket plumes called hydroxyl tagging velocimetry (HTV), which was developed previously and demonstrated on a small rocket engine, is proposed for use on a full scale engine. Specific goals of the program include producing a measurement system that can withstand the high acoustic levels of a relevant full scale rocket engine, development of efficient user-friendly software for processing the raw images to produce velocity data, verifying the performance of the prototype at relevant temperatures and H2O concentrations, and demonstrating it on a full scale rocket engine. The work plan includes tasks to design and construct a rugged prototype HTV system, including supporting analyses required to properly select the laser, camera, and optical components, test the prototype in a laboratory scale flame, and produce acoustic suppression covers and damping systems to enable a demonstration on a large engine.