High Pressure Combustion Lab
Dr. Richard Yetter, Director
104 Research Building East
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-6375
Email: ray8@psu.edu
Dr. Eric Boyer, Assistant Director
High Pressure Combustion Lab
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-2264
Email: jeb19@psu.edu
Facilities - High Temperature Heating
High-Power CO2 Laser
A high-powered CO2 -Laser for studying the interaction of infrared laser energy flux with solid propellants, solid fuels, and various high-temperature insulation/ablative materials; where the surface heat flux in many actual propulsion devices can be simulated.
High Pressure and Temperature Induction Furnace
A custom high pressure and temperature induction furnace is available for sample heating within a graphite crucible. To heat the crucible coils from a 25kW induction heater unit have been integrated into a pressure vessel with a maximum working pressure of 1,000 psig. The temperature and mass change of the crucible are monitored. To date, the factory-supplied heating coil has been operated with a graphite crucible to greater than 1600°C in ambient conditions with a strain gauge based load cell installed for sample mass measurement. As part of on going work the system is continuing to be developed, enhancing both upper temperature limitations and diagnostics for sample mass loss and gas product composition.
