Absorption and emission spectroscopy in UQ’s X2 Expansion Tube
Project Level: Summer
Project Duration: 6 weeks
Hours of Engagement: 36
Project Description:
UQ’s X2 expansion tube is an impulse hypersonic wind tunnel used for the study of planetary entry and other types of hypersonic flight which has been operational at UQ since the 1990s. When performing experiments in hypersonic wind tunnels, measurements and calculations of the free-stream flow generated by the facility and post-shock conditions are required to understand the flow physics. One technique currently in use is emission spectroscopy. Light emitted by the high temperature flow is captured externally and dispersed into its constituent wavelengths. The resulting intensity map can be used to infer radiative heat flux, flow temperature and species concentrations. A related technique to measure flow parameters such as velocity, temperature and pressure of hypersonic flows is Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS). Here, a laser beam tuneThis project is suitable for students who have completed at least second year physics with some knowledge of optical systems. Knowledge of fluid dynamics and the specifics of hypersonic test facilities is not required.d to a specific wavelength is passed through the test flow and absorption of this light by the gas is measured and used to calculate properties about the gas flow. This latter technique has not yet been implemented in our facilities. This project will involve participating in measurements and/or analysis of emission spectroscopy experiments along with conducting developmental work for the design of a TDLAS system. The latter will involve literature studies of similar systems in use of other institutions and a theoretical study of detection limits of such a system.
Expected Outcomes:
The student will gain experience in experimental approaches and theory in relation to emission and absorption spectroscopy. The outcome of the project would include successful analysis of spectra recorded in the facility and/or a proposal for implementing TDLAS in the X2 facility.
Suitable for:
This project is suitable for students who have completed at least second year physics with some knowledge of optical systems. Knowledge of fluid dynamics and the specifics of hypersonic test facilities is not required.
Contact for further information:
Professor Tim McIntyre: t.mcintyre@uq.edu.au
