Computer Modeling of Space Charge Flow in an Electrogasdynamic Generator.

Abstract

In an electrogasdynamic (EGD) generator the flow of a neutral medium, carrying unipolar electrical charges, constitutes an electrical current. A model of the charge flow in an EGD generator was constructed for use in a computer program. The program is designed to solve Poisson's and Laplace's equations for both axisymmetric and two-dimensional geometries. Schlieren photographs of the charge cloud were used to determine the charge cloud profile required by the program. Computer generated predictions agreed with three known solutions to Poisson's equation. Computer predictions of the effects of space charge flow modifications were obtained. Space charge flow was modified both by increasing flow speed and by manipulating the space charge electric field. Experimentally, this was accomplished by increasing flow stagnation pressure and by application of a separate controllable electric field. Experimental results compare favorably with computer predictions. Some measurements were also made of the mobility range of the charged particles. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0751632

Entities

People

  • Carl Martin Bohley

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Charged Particles
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Electric Fields
  • Equations
  • Generators
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Photographs
  • Space Charge
  • Stagnation Pressure
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster