Project Title:

Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Thermometry for Hypersonic Flight Research

03.06-0333
Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Thermometry for Hypersonic Flight Research
Scientific Research Associates, Inc.
50 Nye Road - Box 1058
Glastonbury
CT
06033
Brian E.
Thompson
(203-659-0333)
LaRC

Abstract:

This project will investigate two innovative instruments for flight research at Mach
numbers between 4 and 15. One is a steady-state spectro-fluorimeter, and the other,
a laser-induced-fluorescence thermometer for non-intrusive measurements in the middle
atmosphere. The spectro-fluorimeter would gather information about the fluorescence
characteristics of air which would then be applied to the design of a time-resolved,
laser-induced-fluorescence thermometer to obtain distributions of mean and fluctuating
temperatures in the boundary layer of hypersonic flight research vehicles. The innovative
time-resolved measurement can produce useful results at low fluorescence intensities
and provide quenching corrections needed for practical application of fluorescence
to flight research.
Phase I would assess both instruments by evaluating critical aspects of resolution
of fluorescence signals and fluorescence characteristics of the real gases at flight
conditions. Engineering design, research, and development in Phase II would provide
prototypes of the spectral fluorimeter and fluorescence thermometer for flight testing
during Phase III.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The could be in flight research on future Shuttle
generations, hypersonic reentry vehicles, planetary probes, and hypersonic transport
aircraft.