Application of Optical Diagnostics to Particle Measurements in Solid Propellant Rocket Motors and Exhaust Plumes

Multi-wavelength opacity study of a hybrid rocket plume

“…Such an approach has been used with some success in measuring aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) particulates in the plumes of solid rocket motors. [8]…”

Quantitative, three-dimensional imaging of aluminum drop combustion in solid propellant plumes via digital in-line holography

“…Many experimental investigations of aluminum droplet behavior in propellant plumes have been performed [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Optical techniques for measuring molten aluminum sizes and/or velocities have included point-wise phase Doppler anemometry [4], line-of-sight laser diffraction [5], videography [6], shadowgraphy [7], Schlieren [8], and holography [9].…”

“…Optical techniques for measuring molten aluminum sizes and/or velocities have included point-wise phase Doppler anemometry [4], line-of-sight laser diffraction [5], videography [6], shadowgraphy [7], Schlieren [8], and holography [9]. Among these techniques, imagingbased methods (videography, shadowgraphy, Schlieren, and holography) are particularly advantageous because images allow for differentiation of reacting aluminum drops from other particulates and provide insight into the flow physics.…”