Experimental Characterization of Particle Dynamics Within Solid Rocket Motors

This Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of high-speed microscopic imaging and statistical correlation velocimetry to determine the particle size and velocity in solid rocket motors. Statistical correlation velocimetry relies on obtaining an ensemble of high-speed videos of turbulent flows (both reacting and non-reacting). These videos are analyzed using a statistical correlation technique to provide full flow field velocity information. High-speed microscopic imaging is used to obtain a series of direct images of the particles. These direct images are analyzed to provide important information regarding the morphology of the particles. During the Phase I work, the feasibility of the system to will be evaluated using a segmented solid rocket motor. The diagnostic development will be completed at En’Urga Inc., The experiments will be conducted at Purdue University. Different mixes of propellants will be used so as to vary the particulate size and velocity and provide for a complete evaluation of the feasibility of the system. During the Phase II work, additional diagnostics to estimate the temperature, particulate concentrations, and gas concentrations will be added to form a novel tool for studying metalized propellants in solid rocket motors. After evaluation at Purdue University, the system will be ported to Edwards Air Force Base.