Optical diagnostics and instrumentation for supercritical combustion studies in a LOX/H/sub 2/ rocket engine combustion chamber

Abstract

Quantitative and qualitative optical diagnostics have been successfully applied within a liquid propellant rocket engine with optical access at representative, supercritical operating conditions. A series of unique optical techniques have been implemented in an attempt to characterise the liquid oxygen (LOX) and hydrogen (H/sub 2/) spray flames prevalent in today's heavy launch vehicle engines. A windowed, high-pressure combustion chamber has been developed and constructed specifically for the purpose of the application of optical diagnostics. Precise control and regulation of operational and injection conditions is important to ensure consistent, stable operation of the combustor. A variety of parameters have been carefully monitored with the aid of an array of measurement instrumentation including, temperatures, pressures, vibrations and massflow rates.