Computational characterization of the electrothermal energetic plasma source (ETEPS) concept for high-enthalpy flow

Summary form only given. The concept of the electrothermal energetic plasma source (ETEPS) involves an energetic gaseous or liquid propellant injection into a confined non-ablative capillary. As the gaseous injection occurs, an arc discharge causes dissociation of the propellant with immediate ionization and combustion. This results in the release of chemical energy and formation of a highly energetic plasma [1]. The ETEPS concept aims to take the electrothermal-chemical (ETC) source concept and eliminate the combustion chamber by combining the plasma generation and chemical release of energy to form a high enthalpy flow. Previous computational work on the ETEPS concept has been conducted using a propellant mixture of ethanol, benzene, and gasoline for a preliminary analysis on the feasibility of ETEPS use for ETC launch systems. Further computational characterization is useful to fully understand the abilities and limitations of the ETEPS concept. An in depth characterization study has been conducted for the ETEPS concept using the electrothermal plasma code ETFLOW. This study presents the results for multiple energetic liquid and gas mixtures. Results show that practical applications for ETEPS are not limited to only ETC launch systems but have many other applications including space propulsion and direct launch systems.