Diode laser ignition testing for pmma/gox hybrid motors

David M. Dyrda, Flora S. Mechentel, Brian J. Cantwell, Ashley C. Karp, Jason Rabinovitch, Elizabeth T. Jens

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The performance of a diode laser igniter as a restart-capable device has been assessed for single-port, PMMA and gaseous oxygen (GOX) hybrid motors. For this testing a prototype version of the igniter has been designed and implemented as a substitute to a traditional methane/GOX torch ignition system. Atmospheric condition tests have been conducted on an experimental motor setup. Using three PMMA fuel grains, a total of 46 successful motor ignitions and restarts were achieved. These tests were conducted using a single multimode diode laser with an output power of 10.84 W and a nominal pulse length of one second. In addition, a total of 24 successful ignitions and restarts in vacuum were demonstrated with the same prototype igniter on a PMMA/GOX motor in development at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The ignition transient is compared against baseline results from a torch ignition system for atmospheric tests and the ignition delay performance is considered across all tests.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019 - Indianapolis, United States
Duration: 19 Aug 201922 Aug 2019

Publication series

NameAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition, 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityIndianapolis
Period19/08/1922/08/19

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