Considerations when Designing an Optically Accessible High-Pressure Combustion Test Article

Paper from the AFRC 2018 conference titled Considerations when Designing an Optically Accessible High-Pressure Combustion Test Article

Experimental high pressure combustion testing is necessary to evaluate computational models and better understand flame dynamics in conjunction with flame behavior in modern combustion systems. In order to accurately replicate conditions that might be found in a combustor, high pressure and high temperature test articles are required. There are many technical challenges associated with making such harsh environments while providing optical access to perform advanced diagnostic techniques. This paper will detail some of the greatest challenges and best practices associated with rig design that accommodates diagnostic techniques such as PIV and Chemiluminescence while maintaining relevant physics and conditions of a modern combustor.