Fundamental and Applied Energetics

Mascotte, a Test Bench for Cryogenic Propellant Combustion Studies

The Mascotte test bench was developed at Onera for studying combustion processes involved in space launcher cryogenic propellant engines like the Vulcain engine of Ariane 5 or the SSME of the space shuttle. Its main role as a research test bench is to emphasize the preponderant physical phenomena to be considered in designing new engines or in optimizing and consolidating existing systems.

View of propellants storage of Mascotte V04

Control room

More precisely, the bench was designed for studying the elementary processes such as atomization, droplet vaporization, turbulent combustion, occurring in the LOX/H2 combustion at the exit of a coaxial injection element. The other purpose of the bench is to develop and improve advanced (especially optical) diagnostics that can then be transported into more severe environments like those of industrial development benches or the DLR Lampoldshausen’s P8 research and technology bench.

Elementary processes involved in coaxial injection

Low pressure combustor

High pressure combustor

Last Update: 16 september 2006 - © ONERA 2009 - Terms of use