Showing papers on "Arcjet rocket published in 1974"

Acceleration processes in the quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic discharge

Abstract: The flow field characteristics within the discharge chamber and exhaust of a quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) arcjet were examined to clarify the nature of the plasma acceleration process. The observation of discharge characteristics unperturbed by insulator ablation and terminal voltage fluctuations, first requires the satisfaction of three criteria: the use of refractory insulator materials; a mass injection geometry tailored to provide propellant to both electrode regions of the discharge; and a cathode of sufficient surface area to permit nominal MPD arcjet operation for given combinations of arc current and total mass flow. The axial velocity profile and electromagnetic discharge structure were measured for an arcjet configuration which functions nominally at 15.3 kA and 6 g/sec argon mass flow. An empirical two-flow plasma acceleration model is advanced which delineates inner and outer flow regions and accounts for the observed velocity profile and calculated thrust of the accelerator.

Ballistic Missile Propellant Evaluation Test Motor System (Super BATES)

Abstract: : A two phase program was conducted to define requirements and to prepare a preliminary design of a test motor system that will accurately and economically simulate the chamber environments of present and future large solid propellant rocket motors. A segmented motor configuration with 28-in. outside diameter case bonded propellant grains was selected. The nominal grain configuration is an internal burning cylinder with both ends burning.