CHARACTERISTICS OF A HIGH PRESSURE A.C. ARC HEATER SYSTEM.
Abstract
The report summarizes the design, development, and testing of an A.C. arc heater system with a projected capability of steady state operation at 2500 psia. The basic components of the system are described and the requirements imposed on each system component by the high operational pressure levels are given. These requirements were established, in part, by experimental data obtained from a previously built low pressure A.C. arc heater (500 psia). These data coupled with the analytic studies on the design of the high pressure arc heater dictated a completely new arc heater system. The development of this system is presented and the necessary specifications of each component are outlined. The design details of the arc chamber, end closures, nozzle and electrode system are shown. Experimental data are given which establish the performance characteristics of the arc heater. The unit was operated at pressure levels up to 1400 psia with power inputs over 1 Megawatt. A new electrode configuration was devised which significantly increased the arc heater efficiency. It is concluded that with further development in A.C. arc heater can operate at the 2500 psia levels and that this type of unit would be an effective driver for a hypersonic tunnel. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0666432
Entities
People
- D. E. Geister
Organizations
- University of Michigan