Versatile Injector Platform: A Modular Design for Supersonic Flow Research
Location
Havener Center, Carver/Turner Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Start Date
4-2-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-2-2026 10:30 AM
Presentation Date
April 2, 2026; 10:00am-10:30am
Description
Fuel-air mixing remains a critical challenge in the development of high-speed air-breathing propulsion due to the extremely short residence times in supersonic combustors. Experimental studies are essential to investigate the underlying mixing mechanisms, but they require injection systems that can deliver repeatable and controlled flow conditions. In this work, we present the design of a modular strut-type injection platform developed for the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel. In its initial configuration, the platform features a planar trailing-edge slit to generate a two-dimensional jet and includes interchangeable trailing-edge modules to support a wide range of geometries and flow-control strategies. Designed with aerodynamic performance, structural integrity, thermal constraints, and diagnostic access in mind, this platform enables systematic, high-fidelity studies of supersonic mixing.
Biography
Connor Bell is a first-year Master's student in aerospace engineering from Saint Joseph, MO. He is a graduate research assistant working for Dr. Viganò in the Aerodynamics Research Laboratory, where his research centers around three-dimensional vortex dynamics in supersonic flows, mainly focusing on three-dimensional measurements using Tomo-PIV. As an undergraduate, Connor participated in research with the same group, was a member of Miner Aviation, and was a Kummer Vanguard Scholar. He was also a member of the Missouri S&T Club Baseball team, serving as president during his senior year.
Meeting Name
2026 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Second Department
Chemistry
Document Type
Presentation
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 The Authors, All rights reserved
Versatile Injector Platform: A Modular Design for Supersonic Flow Research
Havener Center, Carver/Turner Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Fuel-air mixing remains a critical challenge in the development of high-speed air-breathing propulsion due to the extremely short residence times in supersonic combustors. Experimental studies are essential to investigate the underlying mixing mechanisms, but they require injection systems that can deliver repeatable and controlled flow conditions. In this work, we present the design of a modular strut-type injection platform developed for the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel. In its initial configuration, the platform features a planar trailing-edge slit to generate a two-dimensional jet and includes interchangeable trailing-edge modules to support a wide range of geometries and flow-control strategies. Designed with aerodynamic performance, structural integrity, thermal constraints, and diagnostic access in mind, this platform enables systematic, high-fidelity studies of supersonic mixing.
Comments
Advisor: Davide Vigano, dvigano@mst.edu