Publication Date

Fall 2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Advisor

Periklis Papadopoulos

Keywords

Radiation, Shockwave

Subject Areas

Aerospace Engineering; Physical Chemistry

Abstract

This work reports on upgrades in the Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) Facility and shockwave characterization experiments performed at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center (ARC). The importance of testing in the EAST Facility is shown, detailing research work that has occurred in the facility. A facility description follows, in order to explain how the facility is structured and how it conducts operations. The EAST Facility upgrade project is summarized to present current advancements in the facility. Calibration techniques are explained, and experimental data is presented. This data is obtained with the use of highly specialized spectroscopic, vacuum, and optical equipment that is unique to this facility and was upgraded as part of the upgrade project. Experimental data is shown for Mars and Venus tests, spanning the Vacuum Ultra Violet (VUV) to Infrared (IR) portions of the spectrum. Shock layer temperature analysis is performed for various data points in both Mars and Venus tests.

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