Keywords
Propulsion, Detonations, Liquid Injection
Abstract
The Ongoing effort to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) has faced significant challenges with respect to the development of accurate analytical models for the performance of liquid fueled detonations. A key issue lies in the lack of comprehensive experimental data to validate and refine these models. To address this gap, the present study seeks to provide detailed characterization data on a specific Liquid Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (LRDRE) injector, which can be leveraged to improve simulation accuracy and predictive capabilities. This investigation is divided into two primary phases. The first phase focuses on the macroscopic analysis of liquid spray formation, specifically examining the influence of varying liquid fuel temperatures on injector behavior. By analyzing parameters such as beta angle and average frame intensity, this phase aims to determine whether fuel temperature plays a significant role in spray development and liquid atomization. The second phase delves into the microscopic characteristics of the liquid spray, employing a Phase Doppler Interferometer (PDI) to generate parameter maps detailing mean droplet diameter (D10), Sauter Mean Diameter (D32 or SMD), and mean velocity at multiple distinct locations within the spray. These measurements provide crucial insights into the droplet dynamics and their dependence on operating conditions, ultimately contributing to a more refined understanding of injector performance and aiding in the development of more reliable liquid-fueled RDE models.
Completion Date
2025
Semester
Spring
Committee Chair
Ahmed, Kareem
Degree
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.)
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Identifier
DP0029388
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Schuetz, Samuel J., "The Spray and Atomization Characteristics of an LRDRE Injector" (2025). Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024. 219.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2024/219