RESEARCH ON ENERGY CONVERSION IN FLOWING SYSTEMS

An apparatus has been assembled and placed in operation which permits controlled experiments for the study of the thermochemical properties and reactions of gases carrying particulate matter of interest to air augmented combustion systems. The apparatus consists of a closed bomb gaseous fuel combustor into which the particulate material (boron, carbon, titanium etc. powders) may be injected into the gas during the combustion process. By use of an actuated burst diaphragm, the fuel rich combustion products are exhausted from the bomb through a nozzle at a controlled time after initiation of combustion. Spectroscopic observation of the exhaust products and their afterburning in air are being obtained for the purpose of determining the gas and particle temperatures and the effect of exhaust properties on subsequent reaction with air. (Author)