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Project Title: Micro Hovering Air Vehicles: Revolutionary Concepts
and Navigational Advancements, Task 5.1: Micro-Propulsion Systems
Principle Investigator(s): Christopher Cadou (Aerospace Eng.)
Abstract: This research investigates the physics of micro-scale fluid-structure coupling in reacting flow systems for the purpose of developing efficient micro-rocket motors. It is motivated by the US Air Force’s need in the coming decade for compact propulsion devices suitable for positioning and attitude control of micro-, nano-, and pico-satellites as well as other miniaturized space vehicles. The research is progressing in two areas. In area one, we are developing and using specialized numerical simulations to understand flame stabilization in micro-combustors and to identify optimum micro-combustor designs. In area two, we are developing non-intrusive diagnostic techniques for making measurements in micro-rocket combustors that can be used to validate the model predictions. These diagnostic techniques are used to make measurements in micro-combustors that are used to evaluate and refine the simulations being developed in area one.
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Figure 1: Silicon-walled micro-combustor used to
develop non-intrusive diagnostics and validate models. |
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Figure 2 Gas temperature profiles in the silicon-walled micro-combustor measured using non-intrusive diagnostic technique. |
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