Pressure Sensors for Rocket Motor Combustion Instability

Highlights:

• Ability to withstand intense heat at sensor tip
• Sensor diaphragm enveloped in cool, helium gas
• Water cooling adaptor for greater thermal stability
• Integral acceleration compensation to reduce unwanted vibration sensitivity
• Helium flow increases frequency response of the short connecting passage
• Ceramic coated diaphragm for thermal protection

Applications:

• Combustion Dynamics
• Instabilities
• Pulsations

Series 123 rocket motor sensors are designed for measuring dynamic combustion instability pressures in intense heat flow associated with high temperature rocket motor environments. The sensors are suited for long duration measurements in environments where a severe and rapid temperature increase in the sensor mounting location or high soaking temperature after rocket motor shut down exists.

Sensors incorporate helium bleed, water cooling construction. The helium bleed design involves enveloping the case and diaphragm of a miniature quartz sensor with a cool flow of helium gas. The gas cools the sensor and insulates the unit from hot combustion gases, while cleaning and improving the frequency response of the connecting passage. Available in ICP® and charge designs, a ceramic-coated end piece protects the sensor from the intense flow and combustion gasses.