Flame Characteristics and Response of a High-Pressure LOX/CNG Rocket Combustor with Large Optical Access

Abstract

Hot-fire tests were performed with a single-injector research combustor featuring a large optical access (255 × 38 mm) for flame imaging. These tests were conducted with the propellant combination of liquid oxygen and compressed natural gas (LOX/CNG) at conditions relevant for main- and upper-stage engines. The large optical access enabled synchronized flame imaging using OH* and CH* radiation wavelengths covering an area of the combustion chamber from the injection plane to shortly before the contraction section of the nozzle for two sets of operating conditions. Combined with temperature, pressure and unsteady pressure measurements, these data provide a high-quality basis for validation of numerical modeling. Flame width and opening angle were extracted from the imaging in order to determine the flame topology. A two dimensional Rayleigh Index was calculated for an acoustically unexcited and excited interval. These Rayleigh Indices are in good agreement with the thermoacoustic state of the chamber.