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Analytical and Design Study for a High Pressure, High-Enthalpy Constricted Arc Heater

Realistic simulation of reentry heating conditions experienced by high
performance reentry vehicles requires the combination bf high test stream en-
thalpy and high stagnation pressure. Arc heaters offer the potential for
achieving these required conditions. The presently available Huels-type arc
heater provides the required pressure capability but cannot match flight en-
thalpies. The segmented constrictor arc heater has been employed extensively
in low-to-moderate pressure. high enthalpy reentry simulation but has not been
employed at high pressure. Recent low-to-moderate power tests at AEDC and pre-
liminary analyses at Aerotherm have demonstrated significantly improved enthalpy
capability at high pressure for the constrictor arc as compared to the Huels-
type arc. The necessary analysis techniques to allow the performance and de-
sign optimization of a high power, high pressure constrictor arc heater are no
available, however. Such techniques are necessary to eliminate or at least
minimize the very costly (both financial and schedule) design and hardware iter-
ations associated with the empirical development of such an arc heater.

This report presents the development of the necessary accurate analysis
technique for predicting the performance and operating characteristics of con-
strictor arc heaters. Proper physical models which are applicable for the com-
plete range of pressures (to over 200 atm) and other conditions of interest
were incorporated into an existing computer code which was also further modi-
fied for improved capabilities. The resultant computer code was validated
through comparisons of predictions with available experimental data. The vali-
dated code was then employed to determine the relation of performance capabili-
ties to the various design and operating parameters. Finally, the conceptual
design including basic geometric and operating variables was developed for
moderate and high power operation. The performance goal on which the designs
were based was simultaneous operation in the 150 to 200 atmospheres total
pressure range and the 6000 to 8000 Btu/lb bulk enthalpy range.