A Prediction/Analysis System for the Ducted Rocket Test Facility

Calculations for both pre-test prediction and post-test data reduction at the Army's Ducted Rocket Test Facility (DRTF) require a large number of engineering hours to complete, increasing the cost of tests and reducing the productivity of the facility. We propose to develop an automated prediction/analysis system that will dramatically reduce the time required for these calculations. The software features a state-of-the-art graphical user interface with drag-and-drop configuration of the test hardware, automatic listing of instrumentation requirements, full analysis algorithms and models for both pre-test and post-test calculations, an integrated chemical equilibrium code for combustion calculations, and interfaces to test data files, external applications software, and property databases. In Phase I, we will develop and deliver the user interface portion of the code and design the analysis module and other remaining modules. These modules will be developed in Phase II, and a complete turn-key system will be delivered. The proposed system will result in significant operating cost savings for the DRTF and enable test engineers to focus on propulsion performance, not repetitive calculations. The software will be commercialized for additional applications in other government, university, and industrial test facilities.