The Advanced Subsonic Combustion Rig (ASCR) at NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC) is a high-pressure, high-temperature combustion rig that simulates combustor inlet test conditions up to a pressure of 900 psig and temperatures up to 1300°F non-vitiated (no combustibles) at flow rates ranging from 5 to 50-lb/s. ASCR uses a dedicated high pressure compressor which pressurizes GRC’s centrally supplied 450 PSIG combustion air up to 900 PSIG, which is double the pressure capability of other combustor facilities at GRC. The maximum exhaust gas temperature from the test article is 3400°F.
The ASCR has been instrumental to NASA and its industry partners in developing low emissions combustor technology at higher operating pressures. Research has focused on developing low NOx combustors for pressure ratios up to 55:1. The ability of ASCR to operate up to 60 atmospheres provides a unique capability for NASA and engine manufacturers to quantify the effects of higher pressure on combustor emissions, durability and operability.
