Optical Module
To support the running of simultaneous experimental programs on both the shock tube and combustion channel, a new optical module was designed for high-speed visualizations. To maximize compatibility, the flange and seals were designed to be completely backwards compatible with existing modular channel components. This flexibility meant any modular component could be used on both the combustion channel and shock tube. While compatible, this new optical section was to be mainly used on the shock tube. As such, the design goal was to support a maximum working reflected shock wave pressure of 50 bar. Based on learnings from working with the combustion channel optical section, several design improvements were made. To eliminate any welding, and thus weakening the temper of the aluminum, the main body was machined from a solid block and the flanges bolted on with o-ring seals inside. To achieve the target maximum reflected pressure, 2 in thick acrylic windows lined with 2 mm glass for heat and abrasion resistance were incorporated. Bold-on adapters were designed for the use of thinner 1 in windows for test requiring the use of quartz glass windows for PLIF. Instrumentation ports along the length of the module allowed for the use of high-speed pressure transducers, ionization probe, or photodiodes using universal instrument adapters.