Optical Instrument to Measure the Mass Concentration and Size Distribution of Smoke Particles

This proposal describes the development of a system to measure in-situ and in real-time, the size distribution and mass concentration of soot particles in turbojet exhausts. The proposed system will work in-situ in highly turbulent environments. The total signal will yield soot mass concentration while the time-resolved signal will yield particle size. Its potentially compact size and large dynamic measurement range will give the system broad market potential in a variety of industries attempting to measure and suppress particle pollution. The Phase I work will include developing an analytical model to derive soot mass concentration and particle size from the signal. A breadboard will be built to conduct proof-of-concept experiments, and the preliminary design for a field system will be produced. The proposed system will be particularly valuable to the Air Force to measure soot in engine test facilities which are characterized by high vibration and noise levels.