Particle size in srm plume: Assessment of collection method

Abstract

The present work aims at giving an overview of the current experimental activity status of an intrusive technique for particles capturing in supersonic-high temperature flows for the use in solid rocket motors plume. The innovative technique was conceived in the EMAP (Experimental Modelling of Alumina Particulate in Solid Booster) framework, an initiative financed by the European Space Agency aiming at the characterization of the alumina exiting from rocket nozzles in terms of size, temperature, and spatial distribution. This kind of information are of paramount importance for the environmental impact assessment of space launch activity. Experimental tests are still ongoing and the present paper discusses some of the critical aspects, solutions, and open questions arising during the hot fire testing of this innovative intrusive technique.