Exploding Wire Simulation of Jet-Engine Gas-Path Microdistresses.

摘要

Exploding wires were used to simulate jet-engine gas-path microdistresses. The physical processes involved in the formation of boluses of charge in a flowstream were investigated and the amounts of bolus charge produced under various conditions were measured. Ion-probe response were concurrently recorded. The results of the investigation were used to construct a theory of bolus formation. Large negative boluses of charge were produced by the injection of hot metal particles into a flowstream. Smaller positive boluses were produced by heating a wire to a temperature near its melting point. Ion-probe responses were shown to be very misleading when used as a sole source of information as to the charge in a bolus. It is recommended that immediate attention be given to the detection of negative boluses of charge in a jet engine exhaust since negative boluses would most probably be produced by the more severe (very hot particles) microdistress which could lead to catastrophic engine failure. (Author)