Rocket flames

Abstract

Among the important parameters which characterize the rocket flames are the (1) velocity, (2) pressure, (3) temperature of the exhaust gases and (4) the nature of chemical reactions in the flame of such gases. For the determination of these quantities ordinary methods fail because the flow of exhaust gases is supersonic in character. An introduction of a probe or any foreign body will create such strong disturbances in the supersonic flow that the readings of observing instruments will have no value. Spectroscopic methods are therefore eminently suitable because observations can be taken on the flame under running conditions.