Development of high-speed air-breathing propulsion is contingent upon an improved understanding of the fundamental processes that govern engine operability and performance. The challenges of obtaining high-quality and thorough measurements in high-speed reactive flows requires advancements in non-intrusive diagnostics and innovative applications. This research seeks to advance technical maturity by expanding measurement capabilities and executing experiments to enable robust analysis, modeling, and design. 

Topics could include:

a. Study of flameholder ignition and stability in a supersonic flow.

b. Measurements for scramjet combustor model validation.

c. Development and application of novel diagnostic tools.

The development of experimental approaches often begins in laboratory space using small-scale flow paths, burners, and pressure vessels before transitioning to the supersonic wind-tunnel research cells. Facilities at WPAFB include a variety of wind-tunnels (including direct-connect scramjet tunnels) and optics/combustion laboratories, a wide range of laser and imaging equipment (including high-speed assets), and computational resources. Optical measurement techniques such as planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), Raman and Rayleigh scattering, infrared (IR) absorption imaging, and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are routinely performed. Research associates will have broad support from AFRL personnel and facility engineers to provide an opportunity to advance the start-of-the-art and make meaningful contributions to hypersonic sciences.

key words

Supersonic Combustion; Turbulent Combustion; Scramjet; Flameholding; High-speed flows; Supersonic flows; Hypersonic; Advanced optical diagnostics; Advanced laser diagnostics

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants