Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Research in the field of spacecraft propulsion systems at the Professorship of Energy Transformation of the Institute of Thermodynamics focuses on diagnostics. Optical measurement techniques are used in this context, especially laser-based imaging methods. One focus area is the study of chemical rocket propulsion systems, in particular binary systems. Injection and combustion processes and the optimization of the cooling of the combustion chamber (e.g. film cooling) are of great interest in this context. In particular, fundamental studies under transcritical and supercritical injection conditions in rocket combustion chambers are conducted, with a focus on the optimization of injection, mixture formation and combustion as well as heat transfer.

The framework conditions are generated in special, optically accessible combustion chambers designed for high pressures and both high and low temperature ranges.