Active Combustion Control (ACC) of Augmentor Dynamics

The proposed research for Phase II of topic N14A-T004, Active Combustion Control of Augmentor Dynamics, has the objective of maturing the Augmentor Screech Active Suppression technology demonstrated successfully during Phase I by Knite, Inc. and the University of Cincinnati Gas Dynamics and Propulsion Laboratory. The work plan is intended to provide continued progress focusing on increasing knowledge about Knites Kinetic Spark Ignition (KSI) as an actuator for instability suppression, in expanding/magnifying its capabilities, and in understanding its operation while testing it in a wider test envelope. Design innovations, such as integrated igniter fuel assist, and further refinements will increase the authority of the KSI as an actuator. At the same time, expanding the test envelope of the augmentor simulator rig will improve confidence on the effectiveness of the technology under a wider range of conditions. Finally, employing an advanced suite of instrumentation to study the screech and its suppression will help understand the mechanisms on how the technology works and will make it easier to transfer it to a full size augmentor. The proposal includes characterization tests focused solely on studying features of the screech instability in order to identify and locate mechanisms that can be disrupted by the KSI actuator. It also includes bench testing of the KSI actuator upgrades and three screech suppression test campaigns in which the effectiveness of KSI design improvements can be evaluated. Through these activities, the technology level can be pushed forward and the probability of success of an eventual engine test will increase.