To efficiently and economically develop propulsion and energy conversion systems that can leverage the potential advantages of operating with a detonative mode of combustion will require significantly improved understanding of the fundamental physics governing the detonation process. Such understanding can be achieved through high-fidelity experiments employing advanced, non-intrusive optical diagnostics, particularly those capable of providing highly resolved quantitative information. However, the extreme conditions associated with detonations render implementation of current diagnostic techniques challenging - if not impossible. Moreover, the spatial and temporal resolutions required to accurately resolve key detonation features stress the limits of current state-of-the-art optical detection systems. Thus, there is a need to optimize (and when necessary, develop new) optical diagnostic techniques capable of providing quantitative information within detonation environments.

To meet this need, our group is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and clever research scientist to optimize and deploy optical diagnostic techniques within detonation environments. Of particular interest are diagnostics that can provide spatially and temporally resolved quantitative measurements of temperature, pressure, species concentration, and gas velocity ahead of, within, and behind detonation fronts. Thus, the research to be conducted during this opportunity include, but are not limited to, the optimization/application of the following diagnostic techniques: 1. Spontaneous Raman Scattering; 2. Rayleigh Scattering; 3. Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy; 4. Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy; 5. Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescensce; and 6. Femtosectond Laser Electronic Excitation Tagging (FLEET) Velocimetry.

The researcher will be based is the Combustion Branch of the Turbine Engine Division within the Aerospace Systems Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RQTC) located on Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. The Combustion Branch provides access to world class facilities that can enable experimental studies of combustion phenomena relevant to practical systems. Moreover, the Combustion Branch is equipped with state-of-the-art optical diagnostics, including but not limited to: high-power, continuous pulsed nanosecond lasers; burst-mode lasers; high-resolution EMCCD cameras; high-speed cameras; pico- and femtosecond lasers; low- and high-speed image intensifiers; and all additional support equipment. Finally, to facilitate robust data analysis and/or modeling and simulation efforts, the Combustion Branch has access to state-of-the-art computational resources including the Department of Defense’s High-Performance Computing centers.

Related research and key references:

1. Rojas et al. Combustion and flame 266 2024; 2. Trabold et al. Combustion and Flame 243 2022; 3. Guiberti et al. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute 38 2021

Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited. PA AFRL-2024-5412

key words

Detonations; Laser Diagnostics; Combustion; Propulsion; Advanced Imaging; Image Processing; Raman Scattering; Rayleigh Scattering; Laser Absorption

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants