Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3357
Date of Award
6-2026
Degree Name
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Department/Program
Mechanical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Patrick Lemieux
Advisor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
This work presents the development and experimental evaluation of a resonance igniter (RI) operating with premixed gaseous propellants. Resonance ignition is a non-electrical ignition concept in which an underexpanded jet impinges on a closed-end Hartmann–Sprenger tube (HST), generating cyclic compression and expansion waves that rapidly heat gas near the tube endwall. A modular experimental system was designed and built to investigate resonance ignition using methane–air and methane–oxygen mixtures. The system includes a supplemental configuration that may probe for mixture conditions favorable to ignition, informing RI testing. Pressure and temperature measurements were used to characterize pressure control, mixture pressure ratio (MPR), nozzle pressure ratio (NPR), nozzle-to-tube spacing, and ignition behavior. Methane–air resonance ignition was not achieved, consistent with previous Cal Poly work. Methane–oxygen resonance ignition was successfully demonstrated, representing the first RI-driven ignition achieved at Cal Poly using the developed platform. The successful test also produced flashback damage, identifying upstream flame propagation as a primary design challenge for future premixed RI systems. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of premixed gaseous resonance ignition while establishing experimental infrastructure and design guidance for continued RI development.
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons, Thermodynamics Commons