Date of Award

3-10-2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Ralph A. Anthenien, PhD

Abstract

A high speed, durable, ion probe based pressure sensor is being investigated for use in pulse detonation engines. Traditional pressure sensors are ill suited for the high temperature and vibratory environment encountered in such engines. An alternative transient pressure sensing method is investigated for pressures behind a hydrocarbon flame. These flames generate ions that are quenched by collisions as a function of pressure. An experiment was devised to correlate the ion decay rate with the pressure using an ion probe well suited for the flow. A correlation has been established showing the ion decay rate is a function of pressure. Additional investigation is required even though the ion probe remains a viable alternative method for measuring pressure.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-04-M17

DTIC Accession Number

ADA424303

Share

COinS