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Repetitive laser ignition by optical breakdown of a LOX/H2 rocket combustion chamber with multi-injector head configuration

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Abstract

This paper reports on the repetitive laser ignition by optical breakdown within an experimental rocket combustion chamber. Ignition was performed by focusing a laser pulse generated by a miniaturized diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser system. The system, which delivers 33.2 mJ in 2.3 ns, was mounted directly to the combustion chamber. The ignition process and flame stabilization was investigated using an optical probe system monitoring the flame attachment across the 15 coaxial injector configuration. 1195 successful ignitions were performed proving the reliability of this laser ignition system and its applicability to the propellant combination LOX/hydrogen at temperatures of \(T_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} }}\) = 120–282 K and \(T_{{{\text{O}}_{ 2} }}\) = 110–281 K.

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Acknowledgements

The work and support of Markus Dengler, Johann Fröse, Manuel Hofmann, Stefan Gröning, Justin Hardi, Robert Stützer, Dmitry Suslov, and the DLR P8 test bench team is greatly acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Propulsion, 74239, Hardthausen, Germany

    Michael Börner & Michael Oschwald

  2. European Space Agency (ESA), 75738, Paris Cedex 15, France

    Chiara Manfletti

  3. Carinthian Tech Research AG (CTR), 9524, Villach, Austria

    Gerhard Kroupa

Authors
  1. Michael Börner
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  2. Chiara Manfletti
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  3. Gerhard Kroupa
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  4. Michael Oschwald
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Correspondence to Michael Börner.

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Börner, M., Manfletti, C., Kroupa, G. et al. Repetitive laser ignition by optical breakdown of a LOX/H2 rocket combustion chamber with multi-injector head configuration. CEAS Space J 9, 289–297 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-017-0163-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-017-0163-7

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