Hybrid Rocket Exhaust Plume Analysis Project Summary: This project centers on non-invasive measurements of a chemical rocket motor. Measurements will be made on UALR’s HTPB/oxygen hybrid rocket motor as well as on a minihybrid designed to determine the effects of scaling the rocket down. A “snap-shot” UV-Vis spectrometer will be designed to give real time measurement of temperature and species in both the plume and the combustion chamber. A laser diode infrared spectrometer will be developed to look at both water and carbon dioxide in the plume. Initial observations will focus on the temperature of the plume as well as concentrations of OH radicals, oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide, as inferred from intensity of spectral peaks. Metallic components of the plume will be monitored so as to predict component failures. A thrust sensor will be designed to measure the six independent components of force exerted by the motor. Chemkin chemical reaction code will be used to predict metrics for combustion efficiency for HTPB/oxygen, HTPB/peroxide, and hydrazine/oxidant. Home Ed Wilson Hybrid Rocket Motors Mars Spectrometer Atmospheric Kinetics USLI Contact Group Leader Dr. Ed Wilson. Web design by Brett Keller. HU Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for the sole purpose of information and education. The webmaster and Harding University do not guarantee correctness of all information presented and are not liable for any reliance by the user on the information obtained through this Web site. However, every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the content.