Plasma-Propellant Interaction Studies
Abstract
The overall objective is to gain insights about of the various chemical and physical processes that occur during ignition of a solid propellant by a high-pressure and high-temperature plasma. The plasma is formed within a hydrocarbon capillary by an electrical discharge process. The plasma emerges into stagnant air as an underexpanded supersonic jet. Two experimental approaches are applied. A triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer is employed to examine species from the plasma and the pyrolysis products from the propellant generated by interactions with the plasma. A fast-response heat flux gauge has been designed and utilized to determine the transient variation of the radiant heat flux, with specific emphasis on the UV to near-visible components. The results show that the use of different trigger-wire and capillary materials yields significant differences in the ignition and combustion of JA2 and transparent JA2, as well as in the radiative heat flux levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADP023640
Entities
People
- Stefan T. Thynell
- Thomas A. Litzinger
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University