Characterization of a Dual-Mode Scramjet Combustor via
Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry
Author: Brian Rice
Advisor: Chris Goyne and Jim McDaniel
University of Virginia
Abstract
The following research paper presents an up-to-date status of the testing of a Dual-Mode Scramjet (DMSJ)
model which is experimentally operated at UVa’s Aerospace Research Laboratory. The optical technique
Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) is applied to the combustor of the DMSJ with a ramp fuel injector
configuration. SPIV is utilized to measure the three-dimensional, combusting, turbulent flow field. In particular
quantities such as instantaneous velocity, average velocity, vorticity, turbulence intensity, turbulent kinetic energy
and Reynolds Stresses can be calculated. Measurements were conducted at two planes in the combustor
downstream of fuel injection and at the exit plane of the DMSJ. Two different fuel conditions were chosen such that
measurements are taken while the DMSJ is operating in scramjet and ramjet mode with the goal of comparing both
modes of operation. These measurements will provide insight into the complex flowfield which will allow
improvements to DMSJ computational tools.
1
Rice