Generation Characterization and Aerospace Applications of Torch Plasmas

Abstract

This basic research effort addressed the physical issues related to the generation of atmospheric pressure plasmas and to the use of "Torch Plasmas" for aerospace applications. The most significant accomplishment has been the development of a plasma torch into an ignition aide for use in scramjet engines. It was shown that such a torch can deliver sufficient heat to cold, liquid JP-7 fuel injected into a Mach-2 crossflow (having a static temperature of ^ 500 K) to reduce the ignition delay time and to increase the rate of combustion and, thus, to initiate main-duct combustion.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA426130

Entities

People

  • S. P. Kuo

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Combustion
  • Combustors
  • Demographic Cohorts
  • Electric Discharges
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Engines
  • Gas Flow
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Lag
  • Laser Induced Fluorescence
  • Supersonic Combustion
  • Supersonic Combustion Ramjet Engines
  • Supersonic Flow
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster