It is proposed to determine the feasibility of using a nonequilibrium plasma jet, developed at aerochem over the past quarter century, as a means of enhancing ignition and flame stabilization in air-breathing engines and in supersonic combustion. specifically, we will determine; if ignition of lean… More

A unique high temperature, high pressure gaseous photochemical reactor with optical and mass spectrometric species detection capabilities will be designed. the proposed design, utilizing aerochem's experience in constructing and using similar apparatus, will exceed the upper temperature and pressure… More

Direct computation of turbulence noise is a logical application for advanced computational fluid dynamics, cfd, programs run on supercomputers. this would eliminate the highly empirical aspects of present noise prediction techniques and enable study of advanced hypersonic propulsion systems.… More

The objective of the phase i research is to demonstrate the feasibility of vapor depositing a thin coating of magnesium on boron particles to protect them from low temperature oxidation and aid their ignition in boron-containing fuels. the feasibility will be demonstrated in a laboratory scale… More

A new process is proposed to synthesize pure spherical boronpowders coated with either titanium or zirconium for use in energetic propellants and explosives. the process is based on a process previously developed by aero-chem to produce photovoltaic silicon. it involves the reaction of vapor phase… More

Computational, rather than experimental, methods are proposed to develop, design, and test the noise suppressors that will be needed to quiet the jet turbulence noise produced by the high speed civil transport and other supersonic vehicles. the viability of this approach is due to recent advances in… More

Fine, ultrapure, spherical particles are desirable starting materials for producing high performance advanced ceramic products. aerochem has a unique flame synthesis process forpreparing such high quality powders, including silicon nitride. this process differs from the usual combustion synthesis in… More

Cubic boron nitride (c-bn) films are attractive for coating wear parts because of their hardness and oxidation resistance. its wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity make c-bn useful for electronics applicaitons. a technique of depositing phase-pure c-bn films at commercial rates is needed to… More

From spot welding to soldering, joining metal wires to one another or to substrates is a major part of the assembly process for electrical and electronic devices. this program is developing an entirely new method for welding such joints using filler metals. in this novel method, 50-500 mum diam… More

Soldering electronic components to circuit boards involves using environmentally harmful cleaning agents and toxic heavy metals like lead. Solder joints can be unreliable in high shock environments because of non-uniform adhesion. This program will develop an entirely new method for welding such… More

A novel method, supersonic viral impaction, is being investigated to separate and collect fine, solid particles from gases. the main advantages of the method are: separation of particles from hot, chemically aggressive, condensible carrying gases while preserving the particles from contamination by… More

The excitation of structural vibrations by turbulent boundary layer surface pressure fluctuations is an important problem in underwater acoustics. A capability for accurately characterizing these fluctuations, especially the low wavenumber components of the spectrum, is needed to determine the… More

The maximum explesion pressure rate of pressure rise and oxidant consumption Will be determined for air-suspended clouds ef a unique fine ¿less than l0 micrometer diameter¿ boron powder Yhe unique powder particles are thinly coated ¿by a process developed at AeroChem7 with magnesium or aluminum… More