BTZ operates the Ben T. Zinn Combustion Laboratory, offering high‑pressure test cells and laser‑based diagnostic suites for advanced combustion and hypersonic propulsion research. The facility enables developers of defense and commercial aerospace systems to evaluate fuel‑flexible combustors, ammonia‑low‑NOx burners, and high‑enthalpy flows with real‑time Raman, infrared, and other laser measurements, accelerating design validation and technology transfer.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Defense and commercial aerospace systems require propulsion and energy solutions that can operate at higher speeds, temperatures, and efficiencies than current technologies allow, while also needing precise laser-based diagnostics and control. Existing research infrastructure is fragmented, limiting rapid development and integration of advanced combustion, hypersonic, and laser systems.
Solution
BTZ leverages the Ben T. Zinn Combustion Laboratory’s extensive high‑pressure test facilities and state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic equipment to develop and validate next‑generation laser systems and hypersonic propulsion concepts. The lab provides controlled environments for testing gas‑turbine combustors, ammonia‑based low‑NOx burners, and high‑enthalpy hypersonic flows, enabling iterative design and performance optimization. Integrated laser diagnostics—including Raman scattering and infrared sensors—capture real‑time temperature, species, and flow field data, supporting advanced modeling and control algorithms. Collaborative research with Georgia Tech and industry partners accelerates technology transfer from peer‑reviewed studies to prototype hardware for defense and commercial applications. Results are disseminated through peer‑reviewed publications and industry forums, ensuring that innovations are both scientifically validated and aligned with operational requirements.
Target Audience
Primary customers are defense aerospace developers, commercial propulsion manufacturers, and research organizations seeking advanced combustion, hypersonic, and laser diagnostic technologies.
Features
- High‑pressure test cells (up to 25 MBtu/hr) with pre‑heated air and natural gas for realistic combustor and hypersonic flow experiments
- Optical and acoustic isolation rooms equipped for low‑noise laser diagnostics and high‑speed imaging
- Integrated laser-based measurement suite (Raman, IR, WMS) for in‑situ species and temperature quantification
- Capability to test fuel‑flexible combustion concepts, including hydrogen, ammonia, and methane blends with low NOx emissions
- Dedicated infrastructure for hypersonic ground‑test facilities, supporting supersonic combustion and chemical kinetics studies
- Collaborative framework linking academic research, defense agencies, and commercial aerospace partners for rapid technology maturation