Investigation of arcjet nozzle performanceAn investigation is performed to examine the feasibility of improving arcjet performance through the use of contoured nozzle designs. The results of preliminary experiments performed on two different nozzle configurations, a 19 degree half-angle cone and a 'bell' shaped nozzle, are described. A unique experimental arcjet apparatus, which effectively tests only the change in nozzle contour on arcjet performance is used in this investigation. The preliminary experimental results indicate approximately an 8 percent improvement in thrust and specific impulse for operation at 15 kW with an ammonia flow rate of 0.20 g/s for a 'bell' shaped nozzle compared to a conical nozzle.
Document ID
19860033098
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Brophy, J. R. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Pivirotto, T. J. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
King, D. Q. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)