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Laser Ignition of Hydrocarbon Rocket Engine Combustion Chambers

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9300-05-C-0012
Agency Tracking Number: F041-199-0169
Amount: $746,558.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF04-199
Solicitation Number: 2004.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-04-15
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-07-16
Small Business Information
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, AL 35805
United States
DUNS: 185169620
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Matthew Thomas
 Director/Propulsion and P
 (256) 726-4800
 jls@cfdrc.com
Business Contact
 Ashok Singhal
Title: President & CEO
Phone: (256) 726-4800
Email: aks@cfdrc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Phase I research successfully: 1) demonstrated a prototype fiber-optic coupled laser initiator, 2) analytically and experimentally characterized a single element GOx/CH4 laser ignition process and 3) assessed commercial grade optics/windows, including structural/thermal evaluation of an in-chamber window installation assembly. Phase II will focus on replacing existing squib ignition technology culminate in the launch and recovery of a commercial rocket equipped with a prototype land ser based ignition systems. Specific Phase II development will include: 1. Demonstration of a field configured fiber optic coupled laser initiator capable of immediate implementation into numerous launch vehicle operations. 2. Integration of the initiator and optical transmission devices into an operational bipropellant rocket combustion chamber. 3. Field test and evaluation of laser based ignition through the launch of a Prospector rocket. 4. Assessment of the laser apparatus in a diagnostics mode. CFDRC has teamed with Los Alamos National Laboratory and Garvey Spacecraft to assure all of the technical elements necessary to launch a cryogenic LOx/hydrocarbon fueled rocket are in place at project outset. This Phase II project will effectively increase laser ignition of rocket engines from a current TRL level of 3 to a level of 8. When successful, CFDRC has secured commitments from all liquid rocket propulsion engine and launch vehicle manufacturers to immediately begin implementing this technology into existing and future rocket launch environments.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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