Ion Based Pressure Sensor for Pulse Detonation Engines

<p>A high speed durable ion probe based pressure sensor is being investigated for use in pulse detonation engines. The environment encountered in such engines necessitates high temperature and durable (vibration resistant) devices. Traditional pressure sensors can be used however various methods and materials used to protect the sensors dampen and reduce the pressure wave allowing for qualitative results only. An alternative transient pressure sensing method is investigated for pressures behind a hydrocarbon flame in the pulse detonation engine. Hydrocarbon flames generate ions that are quenched by collisions with other species and walls. As the collision rate is a function of pressure so too is the ion decay rate. The ion decay rate is measured using an ion probe that is well suited for high temperature flow has no moving parts and is inexpensive. Similar systems have been used to determine multiple combustion conditions in automobile engines.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>