ORCID

0009-0005-0840-467X

Keywords

absorption spectroscopy hypersonic ground-testing velocimetry thermometry

Abstract

Hypersonic vehicles are currently at the forefront of aerospace innovation, driven by rapid technological advances through extensive research and development, leading to the next generation of air superiority for those who can conquer the extreme technical challenges. One of the most popular methods to test current hypersonic-based technologies is using ground-testing facilities, as they offer low costs compared to actual flight tests and are generally repeatable. Many ground-testing facilities around the globe take long periods of time to begin consistent and reliable operation due to their inherent downfall of complexity and required technical prowess. To validate the harsh test environments, non-intrusive optical diagnostics can be seamlessly integrated into both large and small-scale facilities and provide path-averaged measurements of critical thermodynamic properties. The purpose of this research is to develop optical sensors based on the principles of laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) to determine the testing variability of two hypersonic ground testing facilities: the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) hypersonic shock tube facility and the 8-ft High Temperature Tunnel (HTT) at NASA Langley. Work conducted on the UCF shock tube facility provided the foundation for developing the sensor layout, post processing algorithms, and methodology. Knowledge gained from the UCF campaign informed the design of the sensor for the HTT, which, to the author’s knowledge, constitutes the first non intrusive optical diagnostic preparation for the facility since its initial construction. In this work, two well-established techniques within LAS, scanned direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) and scanned wavelength modulation spectroscopy 2f / 1f (WMS), were used to determine the path averaged velocity, static temperature, and concentration of H2O and CO. Two different velocimetry approaches are also analyzed to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each configuration, shedding light onto which approach is best for different testing environments.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Subith Vasu

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Format

PDF

Release Date

12-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Subjects

Hypersonic wind tunnels--Calibration; Aerodynamics, Hypersonic--Research; Laser spectroscopy--Research; Unsteady flow (Aerodynamics)--Measurement; Hypersonic wind tunnels--Test gases

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Available for download on Tuesday, December 15, 2026

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