Application of Visualization Techniques and Quantitative Optical Diagnostics for the Investigation of Supercritical Jet Atomization

Abstract

Oxidizer O2 in high pressure cryogenic rocket engines is injected at pressures above the supercritical pressure of oxygen. At these conditions O2 exhibits real gas behaviour and its thermo-physical properties reflect near critical point characteristics. Qualitative visualization techniques and quantitative optical diagnostics have been applied to investigate the atomization process and combustion in LOX/H2-sprays under supercritical conditions at DLR Lampoldshausen. The diagnostic methods applied are presented and the specific adaptations of the methods to the high pressure conditions and there limitations are discussed. Exemplary results are given.