Shock and Gas Dynamics Laboratory (SGDL)

The Shock and Gas Dynamics Laboratory performs research on thermal-fluid dynamics problems with specialites in optical diagnostics and explosively-driven flows.  The research laboratory is supervised by Dr. Michael Hargather.  The lab employs both graduate and undergraduate students, who work with Dr. Hargather on funded research projects.  

Lab group

 

Research overview

The primary research interests of the SGDL include:

  • Explosive characterization: shock wave propagation, product gas motion, fireball expansion, TNT equivalence, shape estimation
  • Explosively-driven fragmentation: fragment size, velocity, shape distribution measurement, optical arena test characterizations, fragment aerodynamics
  • Optical diagnostic development: 3D shock wave and fragment tracking, focusing schlieren, background oriented schlieren (BOS), high-speed imaging in harsh environments
  • Rocket propulsion: 3D printing rocket motors, liquid rocket engine testing, flight testing
  • General fluid dynamics and high-speed gas dynamics

 

Current research is funded by:

  • Sandia National Laboratories
  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
  • US Air Force and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • National Nuclear Security Agency