ELECTROFLUID HYPERSONIC RESEARCH.
Abstract
An anzlytical study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of high altitude, hypervelocity flow simulation using an Electrostatic Hypersonic wind Tunnel (EHWT). The EHWT concept proposes charged, solid air particles, accelerate them electrostatically to a desired velocity, neutralize them, and finally vaporize them yielding the desired high speed, low density, test section flow. Our study included consideration of the entire EHWT concept, but was particularly directed at evaluating two aspects: (1) using heterogeneous condensation on ions in a supersonic nozzle as a means of producing the charged air particles, and (2) promoting inelastic collisions with a stationary or moving target gas as a means of vaporizing the air particles following acceleration. Earlier work has shown that electrostatic acceleration is a feasible method of providing the necessary particle velocities and mass flows preceding vaporization. The study shows that unless methods can be found to assure sufficient ions for condensation and to simultaneously provide a low enough gas density and high enough particles mass flux at the accelerator inlet, the condensation nozzle will not be a satisfactory method for producing the charged air particles. Until a successful scheme is found to produce these particles, the EHWT concept will not be feasible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0486353
Entities
People
- B. D. Marcus
- S. M. Zivi
Organizations
- TRW Inc.