Project:	Experimental work in Hypersonics
Disciplines:	Aeronautics, Mechanical Engineering
Mentor:	Joseph Shepherd, Professor Emeritus, (EAS), joseph.e.shepherd@caltech.edu
Mentor URL:	https://shepherd.caltech.edu/EDL/  (opens in new window)
AO Contact:	William Feasey, wfeasey@caltech.edu
Background:	The Caltech Hypersonics Group spans three experimental facilities: a supersonic Ludwieg tube and two hypersonic, high-enthalpy facilities: the T5 reflected shock tunnel and the Hypervelocity Expansion Tube (HET). Research focusses on both questions of fundamental fluid physics as well as model geometry testing. Current active areas of research include: hypersonic flow separation; fluid-structure interactions; characterization of detonation driven shock tunnels; advancement of high sensitivity optical diagnostics.
Description:	Our lab may have the flexibility to match summer students with a project that fits their background and interests. If you have a specific avenue of research in-mind, this should be specified in the application. Some relevant example projects are listed below (a useful reference paper for each topic is given underneath). 1. Design and implementation of a laser-schlieren system for high precision shock arrival timing. 2. Design and implementation of a passive cooling system for attachment with a heated graphite model testing focussing on surface chemistry. 3. Design and implementation of laser/spark discharge for flow velocity measurements. 4. Computational based project: simulation of detonation driven expansion tube. Close comparison with experimental performance. Software: Eilmer4, lmr5, OpenFOAM.
References:	1. Laser schlieren paper: https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5455044 2. Heated model ablation: https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A33267 3. Laser spark velocimetry https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A33267 4. Detonation driven expansion tube https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20040100806/downloads/20040100806.pdf
Student Requirements:	Required: Strong mathematical background (PDEs, Fourier methods, linear algebra); fluid mechanics (compressible flow, thermodynamics); experience with experimental data processing (MATLAB, Python). Engineering/physics experimental experience (literature review, design of experiment). n.b. hypersonics experimental experience is favoured but not a requirement. First and foremost, we are looking for demonstration of experimental initiative and individual curiosity!
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    both Caltech and non-Caltech students  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.