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Measurement of energy distribution in flowing hydrogen microwave plasmasAn electrothermal propulsion concept utilizing a microwave plasma system as the mechanism to convert electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy of a flowing gas is investigated. A calorimetry system enclosing a microwave plasma system has been developed to accurately measure the energy inputs and outputs of the microwave plasma system. The rate of energy transferred to the gas can be determined to within + or - 1.8 W from an energy balance around the microwave plasma system. The percentage of the power absorbed by the microwave plasma system transferred to the hydrogen gas as it flows through the system is found to increase with the increasing flow rate, to decrease with the increasing pressure, and to be independent of the absorbed power. An upper bound for the hydrogen gas temperature is estimated from the energy content, heat capacity, and flow rate of the gas stream. A lower bound for an overall heat-transfer coefficient is then calculated, characterizing the energy loss from the hydrogen gas stream to the air cooling of the plasma discharge tube wall. The heat-transfer coefficient is found to increase with the increasing flow rate and pressure and to be independent of the absorbed power. This result indicates that a convective-type mechanism is responsible for the energy transfer.
Document ID
19860033303
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chapman, R.
(Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Morin, T.
(Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Finzel, M.
(Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Hawley, M. C.
(Michigan State University East Lansing, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Volume: 22
ISSN: 0022-4650
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
86A18041
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-3299
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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