Propulsion and Diagnostics

This group develops and characterizes hypersonic propulsion systems ranging from rocket boost systems to air-breathing ramjets and scramjets. It uses the direct-connect, non-vitiated heated air capabilities at the Maurice Zucrow Laboratories (up to 8 lbm/s at 1500°F). Ongoing research involves novel propellants and propulsion architectures, including rotating detonation engines. The laboratories’ advanced combustion diagnostic techniques provide high spatial and temporal resolution toward chemical kinetics characterization and multiphase flow properties at operationally relevant conditions.