Laser Ignition for Large Scale Combustion Air Heaters

ABSTRACT: Comprehensive assessment and rigorous documentation of a customized fiber optic coupled laser system suitable for installation into the AEDC Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) Combustion Air Heater (CAH) was completed.  Phase I concluded fundamental fuel injection and combustion stability enhancement improvements are immediately required to assure robust ignition operation within the APTU CAH.   During Phase II CFDRC will build and demonstrate an APTU CAH fuel injection system optimized for integration with our existing fiber optic coupled laser ignition system.  This prototype fuel injection system will be evaluated for ignition at combustion chamber pressures ranging from 20-100 psia using air and atomized liquid iso-butane.  A conceptual design for integrating the optimized fuel/air injection and laser ignition systems into the APTU CAH will be provided.  Final documentation will also include a development plan to optimize facility startup procedures as a function of the downstream nozzle diameter and projected facility run time.   Completion of this proposed APTU CAH flame propagation and stabilization enhancement effort will be critical to implementing improved ignition and safety processes associated with impending advanced hypersonic APTU CAH testing events.  Post Phase II and Phase III efforts will focus on fully implementing robust APTU CAH startup and shutdown protocols which assure maximum run time for future hypersonic test articles within the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit.; BENEFIT: This integrated fuel injection and laser ignition system will be customized for implementation within the Combustion Air Heater process and be immediately suitable for implementation within numerous other wind tunnel air heater and boiler applications.  CFDRC laser and optics technologies could revolutionize combustion chamber ignition in numerous air heater, military and commercial internal combustion and gas turbine engine applications.  CFDRCs working relationships with numerous government labs, commercial laser equipment manufacturers and most engine and boiler equipment manufacturers assures rapid Phase III commercialization.