Combustion dynamics in cryogenic rocket engines: Research programme at DLR Lampoldshausen. (June 2018) - Hardi, Justin S.
Abstract: The Combustion Dynamics group in the Rocket Propulsion Department at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Lampoldshausen, strives to advance the understanding of dynamic processes in cryogenic rocket engines. Leveraging the test facilities and experimental expertise at DLR Lampoldshausen, the group has taken a primarily experimental approach to investigating transient flows, ignition, and combustion instabilities for over one and a half decades. This article provides a summary of recent achievements, and an overview of current and planned research activities. Highlights: The test facilities facilitate conditions representative of industrial rocket engines. Two-phase flows and cavitation are visualised during priming in evacuated pipelines. Reliable, repetitive laser ignition was demonstrated with hydrogen and methane fuels. Flame stabilisation was visualised for laser ignition into vacuum or atmosphere. Flame-acoustic interaction representative of combustion instabilities was visualised.