Design Characteristics and Performance of a Combustor for Use as an Ionized Gas Source in Magnetohydrodynamic Power Generation Studies.

摘要

Design characteristics and performance of a combustor for use as a high energy, ionized gas source in magnetohydrodynamic power generator studies are described. The liquid oxygen (LO2)/JP-4 combustor was operated over a chamber pressure range from 240 to 300 psia and at a characteristic exhaust velocity efficiency of 91 plus or minus 1 percent for oxidizer/fuel ratios ranging from 2.0 to 3.1. Combustor power output was approximately 17.5 to 20.5 megawatts (MW) over its range of operation. Provisions were incorporated into the design for injection of a saturated solution of water and cesium carbonate seeding agent into the thrust chamber to provide a high ion concentration in the exhaust gases. (Author)