HEAT TRANSFER EFFECTS ARISING FROM ARC ROTATION IN PLASMA ARC HEATERS OF THE SELF-INDUCED MAGNETIC FIELD TYPE
Abstract
The paper is concerned with an analysis of the thermal behavior of high input power (about 15 megawatt) arc heaters operating at values of total (bulk) enthalpy up to 2500 Btu/lb. The electrode system is essentially a 'rail accelerator' adapted for continuous operation by making it re-entrant; the self- induced magnetic field brings about rapid movement of the arc roots to prevent destruction of the electrodes. The rate of rotation of the arc column (which is subject to aerodynamic drag) is shown to be a function of apparent electrode gap and current and the stagnation temperature and pressure in the arc chamber. A distinction can also be drawn between 'long' and 'short' arcs, depending on whether the interelectrode gap is large or small. The value of the arc rotation rate (which ranges between about 50 and 1000/sec) had a considerable bearing on the thermal efficiency of short-gap arcs because of the dependence of the convective losses on it.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0632207
Entities
People
- E. A. Bunt
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University