Time-resolved Measurements of Temperature and Product Mass Fractions within Detonation-based Combustion Devices at Elevated Pressures and Temperatures

Detonation-based combustion devices have recently gained significant research interest because they can significantly improve cycle efficiency in propulsion and power generation systems. A high-sensitivity, high-bandwidth sensor for in-situ measurements of temperature and combustion products is needed to assist the development of accurate models for predicting combustor performance. Here we propose to build on successful proof-of-concept measurements performed in Phase I to design, build, test, and optimize a second-generation high-bandwidth mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser absorption sensor for simultaneous measurements of temperature and H2O, CO2, and CO mole fractions within the combustor annulus of a hydrocarbon-fueled rotating detonation engine (RDE). The second-generation sensor would be validated by measurements in known conditions in the Stanford shock tube laboratory and then tested on an RDE in the aeropropulsion laboratory at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA. In the Phase II option period we propose to optimize the second-generation sensor for lessons learned, package it for delivery to the Navy, develop sensor software for use by test engineers, and test the prototype device at NPS. The team combines the product engineering expertise of ISSI, with the optical sensor technology of Stanford University, and sensor testing in a realistic engine development laboratory at NPS.