von Karman Institute Lecture Series and Events

Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic - Measurement Techniques for Aerospace Flows

Tuesday 13 May 2014 - Friday 16 May 2014

VKI secretariat, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Phone: +32 2 359 96 04

VKI-LSlogo ESAThe lecture series will begin with an overview of the development of atomic and molecular-based spectroscopic techniques for aerospace flows diagnosis. Experimental methods will be reviewed including emission, absorption, fluorescence and scattering-based strategies as well as the development of enabling laser sources and imaging detectors. The historical main steps of the development of a quantitative theory of atomic and molecular spectra will be proposed.  Basic notions and fundamental mechanisms ruling spectra structure will be detailed (energy levels, selection rules for radiative transitions …).

SpectroscopyAfter an introductory day, the lecture series will encompass standard and advanced diagnostics, ongoing developments and new trends. The basics methods of emission and absorption spectroscopy will be presented together with their applications to high-enthalpy and combustion flows for velocity, temperature and species concentrations measurements. Strong emphasis will be put on techniques based on diverse laser-flow interaction mechanisms: laser induced fluorescence (LIF), near-resonance, molecular scattering and wave mixing.

Techniques such as, planar LIF, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS), Laser Induced Thermal Acoustics (LITA), enhanced Schlieren imaging, near-resonant holographic interferometry, will be detailed formally and illustrated with the latest experimental research conducted so far in the aerospace field. Methodologies to characterize expanding cold and plasma flows as well as plasmas thrusters will be detailed from conventional (e.g. Optical Emission Spectroscopy) to advanced techniques (e.g. Fourier spectroscopy, VUV LIF…).  For all reviewed techniques, the theory behind and practical issues with their implementation will be systematically dealt with.

The measurement-technique benefits to the design and verification of aerospace vehicles, (sub)systems and ground testing facilities for entry and propulsion will be reviewed. Selected engineering problems based on activities from different ESA programs and requiring spectroscopy-based diagnostics will be detailed.


Location : von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Sint-Genesius-Rode (near Brussels), Belgium