The hypersonic flight regime includes atmospheric entry, ground testing and flight for both powered and unpowered vehicles. The experimental characterizations of these processes are designed to understand the effects on Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) [1]. Firstly it is necessary to characterize the high enthalpy flow. For this we will use tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy to measure temperature, gas velocity, and NO concentration simultaneously across and downstream of the plume in order to determine the degree of non-equilibrium of the gas flow. In addition, the spectral properties of NO at extreme temperatures (up to 5000 K) are barely explored. Our measurements can be used to evaluate and improve the accuracy of the main spectral databases (HITRAN and HITEMP) in the field at these temperatures [2].
A simulation of Nitric Oxide absorption in three different temperatures which helps to find the cleanest segment from water absorption interference in room temperature.
A simulation of water absorption in different temperatures which helps to find the most clean and temperature sensitive pair of absorption lines. Interference from NO is avoided as well.
Project Milestones
