Theoretical analysis of an external pulsed plasma jet

Author

Wilson, Dennis E. ; Kim, Kyoungjin ; Raja, Laxminarayan L.

Author_Institution

Texas Univ., Austin, TX, USA

Volume

35

Issue

1

fYear

1999

fDate

1/1/1999 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

228

Lastpage

233

Abstract

A theoretical description for a highly underexpanded, supersonic, pulsed plasma jet is presented, using an approximate analytical model. The model assumes an inviscid formulation and introduces an ad hoc asymptotic matching procedure with a perfect gas approximation. However, the specific heat ratio is allowed to be pressure and temperature dependent and the gas constant is a function of the degree of ionization. The model can resolve the shock structure and transient gas dynamic flow field for propellant discharges characteristic of the muzzle blast from conventional thermochemical guns and plasma discharges. Quantitative results are presented for the analytical model and compared to experimental data

Keywords

discharges (electric); electrothermal launchers; plasma jets; plasma shock waves; supersonic flow; ad hoc asymptotic matching procedure; approximate analytical model; electrothermal-chemical gun; external pulsed plasma jet; gas constant; inviscid formulation; ionization; muzzle blast; perfect gas approximation; plasma discharges; propellant discharges; shock structure; specific heat ratio; thermochemical guns; transient gas dynamic flow field; underexpanded supersonic pulsed plasma jet; Analytical models; Boring; Electric shock; Guns; Mathematical model; Plasma accelerators; Plasma chemistry; Plasma measurements; Plasma temperature; Propulsion;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.738409

Filename

738409