Hypersonic Wake Detection with High Enthalpy Capabilities

The distribution of observable markers in hypersonic wakes is the result of a complex interaction of body shape, chemical kinetics, and laminar-turbulent transition mechanisms.  To understand the complex gas structure, new measurement techniques are required to improve the understanding of the laminar-to-turbulence transition, separation dynamics just behind the body, and turbulence statistics and structure in the wake, particularly for the species that drive the gas emission.  To address this need, Spectral Sciences, Inc. proposes to integrate multiple line-of-sight spectral measurements combined with advanced algorithms to interrogate small volume locations of the flow.  SSI will leverage extensive experience in development of spectral sensors to interrogate high-temperature environments with the capability to apply high-fidelity description of hypersonic shock layer and wake signature prediction capabilities.  This spectral information allows users to understand the gas composition, temperature, and velocity of point locations within the flow field of interest. In Phase I, the feasibility of the algorithm will be demonstrated using existing data and high-fidelity measurements.  In Phase II, the algorithms will be integrated with hardware and applied in available tests to measure high enthalpy gas flows around relevant geometries.