Experimental investigation of a wall stablized arc with comparisons to theoretical predictions

A wall-stabilized, constricted-arc heater was investigated by extensive measurements of pressure, voltage, and wall heat flux at different axial locations along the constrictor. Radial temperature profiles were measured at one axial location by the radiance of a single line method and also by the continuum radiance at a wavelength of 4955 A. The arc heater with an inside diameter of 2.37 cm and a constrictor length of 42 cm was operated with nitrogen flow rate from about 2 to 10 g/sec, and are currents from 400 to 1200 amperes. Based on a literature search, two different digital computer programs were selected which were used to predict the pertinent parameters by numerical solutions to the governing differential equations. The program selections were based on completeness and availability. In general the predictions were adequate when laminar flow was assumed, and the greatest difficulty was encountered in the predictions of wall heat flux. The results of the measurements are shown in graphical form, along with the theoretical predictions from both computer programs.