Microgravity combustion diagnostics: the path to the International Space Station

Abstract

The Combustion Integrated Rack component of the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF), a multi-user, on-orbit International Space Station facility for the study of fluid physics and combustion science, is currently under development. The envelope of measurement requirements for the baselined combustion science experiments is presented, with a description of the basic diagnostic capabilities provided by the facility. An overview of instrumentation development supporting the FCF and conducted under the microgravity combustion research programme at the NASA Glenn Research Center is provided. The resulting advanced diagnostics capabilities serve as potential upgrades to this experimental facility.