Energy Balance of a Whirl Stabilized Hydrogen Arc
Abstract
A whirl stabilized hydrogen arc existed in a transparent vycor tube between flat copper electrodes, each having axial gas discharge holes. The purpose of this investigation was to make an energy balance on this arc by the method of water calorimetry. The total energy balance revealed questionable stability below 90 amperes. A marked hysteresis was observed between 60 and 90 amperes by varying chamber pressure. The initial increase of power at constant pressure led to a positive voltage-current characteristic. Enthalpy ranged from 30,000 to 70,000 BTU/lb. Efficiency varied from 80 to 90 percent. Electrode losses were optimized by decreasing the cathode discharge hole diameter. Suggestions for improvements leading to higher enthalpy, stability, and lifetime are included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286927
Entities
People
- Thomas E. Reinhardt
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology