A comparison of arcjet plume properties to model predictionsThis paper describes an experimental study of the plasma plume properties of a 1 kW class hydrogen arcjet thruster and the comparison of measured temperature and velocity field to model predictions. The experiments are based on laser-induced fluorescence excitation of the Balmer-alpha transition. The model is based on a single-fluid magnetohydrodynamic description of the flow originally developed to predict arcjet thruster performance. Excellent agreement between model predictions and experimental velocity is found, despite the complex nature of the flow. Measured and predicted exit plane temperatures are in disagreement by as much as 2000K over a range of operating conditions. The possible sources for this discrepancy are discussed.
Document ID
19930040894
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cappelli, M. A. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Liebeskind, J. G. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Hanson, R. K. (Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Butler, G. W. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
King, D. Q. (Olin Rocket Research Co. Redmond, WA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 93-0820
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit