Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative awarded

The Hanson Research Group was awarded a Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) alongside collaborators at the University of Colorado, The Ohio State University, and the University of New Mexico. Research will focus on exotic-species studies with applications to high-speed flight.

Plasma blocks radio communications, trails behind a hypersonic vehicle for long distances (potentially allowing for detection), and may offer an opportunity to reduce heating or affect drag by applying electromagnetic fields. This ONR MURI aims to develop models for chemical kinetics in hypersonic plasmas, including atomic excitation effects.

Our contributions will include conducting reflected shock tube experiments and developing new absorption spectroscopy diagnostics. These tools offer our team the opportunity to investigate the chemical pathways relevant to generating plasmas over a broad range of temperatures and pressures.

Image created by ShukriH and used under a Creative Commons License.