UCDS is a paradigm shifting development that provides an effective and reliable means to predict the dynamic characteristics of a flow field or propulsion system. This insight is critical to the development process, since it allows engineers to assess the physical implications of the oscillations and make any design changes needed to ensure success. Since UCDS is built from a general formulation, it can be used to predict the dynamic behavior of practically any combustion device, including rockets, turbojets, ramjets, and scramjets. The Nonlinear Data Analysis Tool (NDAT) being developed in this effort will find immediate application in the evaluation of engine test data for rockets, turbojets and scramjets, as well as laboratory experiments. By transforming the nonlinear pressure oscillation data into concise linear parameters, researchers and developers will have the means to directly relate the dynamic behavior to design and operational parameters. This clarity should greatly enhance the ability to mitigate oscillations encountered during testing and open the door to designs with increased performance. Other potential customers for UCDS services and tools include government agencies, such as the Air Force, Army, Navy, MDA, and DARPA, and propulsion system developers, such as ATK, Aerojet, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and many others. Since the UCDS process is built from a general formulation, and can be used to analyze practically any combustion device, including rockets (liquid, solid, hybrid), turbojets (combustors, augmentors), ramjets, and scramjets.
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