Analyzing Rocket Exhaust by Atomic-Absorption Spectroscopy

A computer-controlled instrumentation system has been developed for use in measuring concentrations of various atomic species in the exhaust gases of a space-shuttle main engine on a test stand. The system is based on established techniques of atomic-absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Although the design of the system is specific to this rocket-engine-testing application, it may be adaptable to other applications that involve similar geometry, physical conditions, and chemical constituents of flowing gases.