Specie Number Density, Pitot Pressure, and Flow Visualization in the Near Field of Two Supersonic Nozzle Banks Used for Chemical Laser Systems.

An experimental investigation of the gas dynamics in the near field of two supersonic nozzle banks used for chemical laser systems was conducted in the von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility (VKF) of the AEDC. The exhaust gases were simulated by mixtures of hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen. Pitot pressure measurements were made, and the electron beam fluorescence technique was used to obtain specie number density and flow visualization photographs. In addition, a few velocity measurements were made using the laser Doppler velocimeter measuring technique. An analytical investigation of the flow inside the nozzles for various reservoir conditions was also conducted. (Author Modified Abstract)