SBIR-STTR Award

ExMat Research proposes to develop a hardened and cost-scalable laser-based temperature diagnostic system capable of spatially quantifying the localized temporal evolution of temperature in a detonation environment. During Phase I, we will attempt to determine the technical feasibility of the proposed concept. While ExMat Research will be guiding and overseeing the overall project, Washington State University (WSU), the Research Institution, will develop in-situ temperature sensor particles. These particles consist of Dy:YAG (dysprosium-doped yttrium aluminum oxide), a well-known 2-color fluorescence thermometry material. WSU has previously used this material as coatings on the tip of a fiber to measure temperature in detonation environments. WSU will subcontract New Mexico Tech (NMT) to test the sensor particles in a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system that is coupled to an explosively-driven shock tube. Using these particles in a PIV system, we expect to be able to perform standard PIV measurements. However, for each image, we will also record the relative fluorescence intensities in the two wavelength regions of interest to be able to calculate the temperature of the particles as they move through the detonation environment. This capability will allow us to spatially monitor the temperature in a turbulent detonation environment in real time.

To support DTRA’s agent-defeat efforts, we will refine a laser-based Optical Thermocouple (OTC) technology and build and deliver to DTRA a hardened OTC prototype. This OTC system will be capable of quantifying the localized temporal evolution of temperature inside a detonation environment. The OTC technology is based on two-color fluorescence thermometry to determine the temperature. After laser excitation, the emission intensities at two wavelengths are monitored and, after calibration, the ratio of the intensities is used to determine the temperature. While we previously demonstrated the technical feasibility of the OTC, during Phase II we will focus on: (1) developing a process that results in reproducible sensor coatings with optimized fluorescence intensity; (2) selecting, evaluating, and implementing a signal detection and amplification process; and (3) designing and implementing a hardened and ruggedized OTC design that provides shock control, temperature control, and dust control suitable for use during field tests.