Affordable Pulse-Power Module for Nonthermal Ignition and Plasma Surface Modification

The Air Force Research Laboratory needs new technology to reignite conventional and future scramjet engines at high altitudes where the air density is low. Otherwise, in the event of an engine flame-out, the jet must descend to low altitude in order to reignite. The problem exists because conventional igniters cannot couple enough energy into the air-fuel mixture before the air arcs, which prevents further energy input. The solution is a fast ignition pulser, a device which significantly increases the energy coupled into the fuel-air mixture, enabling re-ignition at much higher altitudes. In this SBIR, DTI will extend and simplify its solid state pulser technology to meet the requirements of the ignition pulser. In Phase I, we will demonstrate three approaches to meeting the ignition pulser requirements, and assess their suitability for the USAF’s requirements for performance, cost, reliability, and size. One or more of these approaches will be selected for full scale development in Phase II. In Phase III, we will pursue the qualification and production of this pulser to enable its fielding on future Air Force engines.