A non-intrusive instrument to measure pressure and temperature at a point in flows containing oxygen is being investigated. It would use an ultraviolet source to induce fluorescence in oxygen. The intensity and spectral content of the fluorescent signal in combination with the Rayleigh signal would be used to infer pressure and temperature at a point in the flow field. The concept differs from laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in the use of a low-cost pump source and the examination of broad spectral regions. Phase I research uses existing spectral models to explore design concepts, to perform simple lab experiments using available equipment to validate models, and to develop a preliminary conceptual design of a prototype instrument. Phase II efforts would consist of detailed design, fabrication, and testing of the prototype instrument. Due to the physical mechanism involved, it is expected to be applicable for pressures ranging from 0.1 atm to 10 atm and temperatures from 200K to 1500K. This range of operation would make it valuable for supporting the development of aeronautical propulsion systems.
Potential Commercial Applications: Remote measurement of temperature and pressure fields inside wind tunnels and propulsion systems would be the primary application.
