Review: laser ignition for aerospace propulsion

Abstract

Renewed interest in the use of high-speed ramjets and scramjets and more efficient lean burning engines has led to many subsequent developments in the field of laser ignition for aerospace use and application. Demands for newer, more advanced forms of ignition, are increasing as individuals strive to meet regulations that seek to reduce the level of pollutants in the atmosphere, such as CHx, NOx, and SO2. Many aviation gas turbine manufacturers are interested in increasing combustion efficiency in engines, all the while reducing the aforementioned pollutants. There is also a desire for a new generation of aircraft and spacecraft, utilizing technologies such as scramjet propulsion, which will never realize their fullest potential without the use of advanced ignition processes. These scenarios are all limited by the use of conventional spark ignition methods, thus leading to the desire to find new, alternative methods of ignition. This paper aims to provide the reader an overview of advanced ignition methods, with an emphasis on laser ignition and its applications to aerospace propulsion. A comprehensive review of advanced ignition systems in aerospace applications is performed. This includes studies on gas turbine applications, ramjet and scramjet systems, and space and rocket applications. A brief overview of ignition and laser ignition phenomena is also provided in earlier sections of the report. Throughout the reading, research papers, which were presented at the 2nd Laser Ignition Conference in April 2014, are mentioned to indicate the vast array of projects that are currently being pursued.

Keywords

• Laser ignition
• Ignition limit
• Scramjet
• Gas turbines
• Rocket
• Plasma ignition
• Propulsion