Advanced Laser Diagnostics for Propulsion Systems
Modern propulsion systems operate under extreme thermodynamic, chemical, and fluid-dynamic conditions that strain both modeling capabilities and experimental access. Across next-generation aero-engines, gas turbines, rocket propulsion, and emerging hypersonic platforms, the relevant physics spans fuel injection and atomization, turbulent reacting flows, ignition and flame stabilization, high-enthalpy compressible flows, and energy conversion at elevated pressure and temperature. Quantifying and optimizing these processes demands non-intrusive diagnostics with high spatial and temporal resolution.
This Topical Collection invites contributions advancing the development and application of laser-based and optical diagnostics for propulsion-relevant environments, with emphasis on quantitative techniques that resolve coupled phenomena under realistic operating conditions, including harsh and multi-phase reactive environments. Work linking diagnostic innovation to performance optimization, model validation, or fundamental physical insight is especially encouraged. Together, these advances in optical metrology aim to support cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable propulsion technologies.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) for species, temperature, and reaction-zone imaging
- Laser-Induced Incandescence (LII) for soot diagnostics, Raman, Rayleigh, and Thomson scattering diagnostics
- Shadowgraphy and Schlieren Imaging
- Background-Oriented Schlieren, Phase-Doppler Interferometry, and Holography
- Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) and related nonlinear optical techniques
- Laser absorption spectroscopy, including tunable diode laser and frequency-comb-based approaches
- Particle Image/Tracking Velocimetry (PIV/PTV) in reacting and compressible flows
- Ultrafast and high-repetition-rate laser diagnostics
- X-ray and advanced radiographic methods for dense sprays and multiphase flows
- Tomographic reconstruction and volumetric imaging methods
- Structured illumination, advanced signal processing, new computational algorithms, and AI-assisted data evaluation
- Quantum metrology, single-pixel imaging, and ghost imaging
Guest Editors:
Prof. Noel T. Clemens, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
Dr. Yogeshwar Nath Mishra, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Dr-Ing. Florian Bauer, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Prof. Dan Fries, University of Kentucky, USA