A gasdynamic apparatus with an automatic diagnostic system for investigating process kinetics in combustion-powered gasdynamic lasers

A gasdynamic apparatus is described which models combustion and the formation of the active medium in commercial CO2 gasdynamic lasers using combustion products of liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The parameters of the active medium at the inlet and exit sections of the nozzle are determined using fast-response infrared instrumentation with an automated data-processing system. Results of measurements of the temperature and the quantitative composition of combustion products of the inlet section of the nozzle are presented.