Mass Spectrometric Measurements of the Concentrations of Gaseous Species in Reactive Flow Systems.

Abstract : This final report summarizes progress realized in the development and utilization of a gas diagnostics system for use in evaluating ramjet combustor performance. The work accomplished is described in four sections. In the first section, the results of several series of cold flow sampling tests are presented. Several detailed simulated fuel concentration profiles were determined for the flowfield of the ramjet combustor which was studied. This ramjet combustor can be operated in both dump combustor and ducted rocket combustor configurations. The second section of the report reviews progress achieved in the development of methodology and calibration procedures for monitoring several compounds of interest in an active combustion environment, including O2, CO, CO2, H2O, and hydrocarbon fuels. The third section describes the construction of a flat flame burner system and its application for flame species profiles measurements. Detailed profiles of several stable flame species, including N2, O2, CO, CO2, CH4, H2O, and AR, were obtained for both methane/air and methane/oxygen flames. Finally, the fourth section of this report is concerned with the design and construction of an innovative sample probe which consists of a quartz microprobe tip for gas sampling and a water-cooled stainless steel probe body to provide the required physical support and protection for the tip.