Shock tube and laser absorption studies of energetic materials and propellants combustion chemical kinetics for hypersonics

The Office of Naval Research awarded the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees $262,422 on March 1, 2026, to conduct shock tube and laser absorption studies of energetic materials and propellants combustion chemical kinetics for hypersonics. The award, made under the Basic and Applied Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.300), funds research and development activities designed to advance naval operations through improved understanding of propellant behavior at hypersonic flight regimes. Performance occurs in Florida and runs through February 28, 2029. The University of Central Florida's Office of Research executes the award as a Project Grant, a form of assistance funding supporting competitive peer-reviewed research at educational institutions. UCF operates the Transonic Impulse Shock Tube Expansion Facility and maintains photonics and optics laboratories in the Orlando area that support advanced materials research and testing aligned with defense science and technology priorities.