Author: J. D. BrooksPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Plasma accelerators
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
Characteristics of continuous-flow induction plasma accelerators with a 10-kilocycle, single-phase driving coil on supersonic nozzles were studied. Pressure measurements and vane-deflection measurements were made in a 15-centimeter-diameter accelerator at various mass flow rates. Charged-particle velocities were obtained in 15-centimeter-diameter and 10-centimeter-diameter accelerators by measuring with photoelectric detectors the time required for a change in flow luminosity to travel a known distance. Pressure-probe measurements indicated that the entire flow, including the boundary layer and the separated-flow region, was accelerated in the 15-centimeter-diameter accelerator. The largest increase in pilot pressure was 250 percent of the cold-flow value with 20 kilowatts of 10-kilocycle driving power. The charged-particle velocities increased as the mass flow rate was reduced and as the power was increased. The maximum charged-particle velocity obtained was 40,000 meters per second in the 10-centimeter-diameter accelerator. Average velocity and thrust obtained from vane-deflection measurements were in good agreement with those obtained from pressure-probe measurements.
