Rocket Plume Radiance. Volume Vi. Calculation of Power from a Rocket Exhaust Plume as a Function of Altitude

摘要

The results of computation of the power available from a rocket plume are given. A simplified model was used which assumes the sequential occurrence of exhaust gases expansion to ambient pressure, interaction with the atmosphere, and finally dissipation of power. It is suggested that the experimentally determined drop in radiation at about 180,000 feet is probably due to a power limitation and cessation of afterburning. Power available above about 180,000 feet is due to emission phenomena occurring before the plume equilibrates (expands, etc.) with the ambient atmosphere. It is noted that no fundamental reason exists for expecting missile thrust as a function of altitude to correlate with rocket radiance. A correlation of radiance from different missiles at a given altitude vs thrust has some theoretical justification, however, propellant flow rate is suggested as a better quantity than thrust for this correlation. (Author)