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Gamma Densitometry Technique for Quantifying Void Fraction in Cavitating Flows

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
86516 		Program Year/Program:
2008 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
F071-204-0981 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC)
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive Madison, WI -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2008
Title: Gamma Densitometry Technique for Quantifying Void Fraction in Cavitating Flows
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA9300-08-M-0002
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

Cavitation in liquid rocket engine turbopumps can degrade performance, damage hardware, and generate vibration that impacts the entire vehicle. Many types of cavitation can occur within the operating envelope, and their presence complicates the design process. Cavitation models remain invalidated due to the lack of direct measurements of cavitation. Presence of cavitation is typically indirectly inferred through head falloff and measurements of casing static pressure and temperature. An experimental tool that can measure void fraction and directly quantify cavitation would improve the understanding of cavitation and allow validation computational tools. ORBITEC proposes to develop a gamma tool to quantify in-situ void fractions in turbopump systems. A novel twin-detector setup will yield a data rate of hundreds of Hz, much faster than the state of the art. Specialized calibrations will allow the technique to take measurements through moving blades. Phase I work will develop the twin detector gamma tool, establish its metrics through controlled laboratory tests, and perform proof-of-concept tests in Aerospace Corporation's cavitation test facility. Phase II work would be an extensive experimental program including tests on controlled bubbly flow and hydrofoil and inducer testing in the Aerospace cavitation test facility.

Principal Investigator:

Millicent Coil
Senior Propulsion Engineer
6088275000
coilm@orbitec.com

Business Contact:

Eric E. Rice
President and CEO
6088275000
vespermank@orbitec.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

ORBITAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP.(ORBITEC)
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive Madison, WI 53717

EIN/Tax ID: 391628664
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No