Analyses of High Energy Plasma Capillaries for Use in Electrothermal- Chemical Launch.
Abstract
Theoretical calculations are performed with a one dimensional, steady state, isothermal plasma code from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory for the purpose of defining plasma output parameters based on input electrical energies having relevance to the electrothermal chemical (ETC) propulsion concept. Input variables adjusted include capillary diameter, over a range of 1.92 mm to 7.00 mm, and input current amplitude over a range of 30 kA to 350 kA. The capillary length is fixed at 11.84 cm. Plasmas are classified according to their total power and energy level (based on a 3-ms power pulse width) and compared in terms of resistance, exit pressure, and core temperature. Plasma power levels range from 0.17 to 1.89 (GW, while the plasma energy level varies from 0.52 to 5.70 MJ, which is considered adequate coverage for ETC ignition through ETC propulsion enhancement concepts. The study reveals that the range of resistance, pressure, and temperature is 12.8 to 195 momega, 19.8 to 2000 MPa, and 2.9 to 13.5 eV, respectively, for the capillary matrix being investigated. Flow conditions for plasma calculations include choked (no pressure boundary) and unchoked (450 MPa pressure boundary condition). Results from theoretical plasma calculations and interpretations from the perspective of capillary implementation into ETC propulsion concepts are also included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA306405
Entities
People
- Gary L. Katulka
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory