Project Title:
Advanced Photochemical Techniques for Relight and Combustion Enhancement of Supersonic
01.04-7970
911526
Advanced Photochemical Techniques for Relight and Combustion Enhancement of Supersonic
Transport Aircraft Systems
ML Energia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1468
Princeton
NJ
08542
Moshe
Lavid
609-799-7970
LeRC
NAS3-26331
008
01.04-7970
911526
Abstract:
Advanced Photochemical Techniques for Relight and Combustion Enhancement of Supersonic
Transport Aircraft Systems
Successful operation of future supersonic aircraft propulsion systems depends on
the attainment of significant advances in combustion technology. The conditions of
high flight-speed and high altitudes cause severe strains on ignition reliability,
stability, and overall combustion efficiency. A novel photochemical technique to
alleviate these problems and selectively irradiate combustion species will be developed.
The ensuing photodissociative reactions generate highly reactive radicals that modify
the gas-phase kinetics and lead to ignition and enhancement via chain-branching paths.
The overall objective of Phase I will be to determine, experimentally, the feasibility
of using this technique to obtain reliable relight of Jet A fuel. Specific tasks
in this effort include investigating minimum ignition energy, power requirements,
flow conditions, radiant frequency, and reliability. The effect of this technique
on ignition-delay-time may also be investigated.
This innovation might lead to a breakthrough in gas turbine combustion technology
by substantially improving the performance of engines to extend the range and speed
of supersonic aircraft for commercial and military applications.
relight, radiative ignition, ignition-delay-time, combustion enhancement, supersonic
transport (SST), photochemical dissociation