Abstract
The gasdynamic and electromagnetic factors affecting the position of arc roots in a tubular arc heater are analyzed. Mannitudes of the various factors are estimated through numerical modelling, and the overall action on the arc assessed. It is found that the actions on the arc in the rear electrode can be balanced in a stable manner and the arc root can be stabilized at a certain axial position. In the front electrode, the various factors cannot be balanced, and the arc root can only stay within the electrode through the mechanism of recurrent shunting. These conclusions agree with experimental observations.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Jiang, Y., et al., Magnetic control of the rotated electric arc in arc heaters, Proc. Int. Conf. on Plasma Science and Technology, June 4–7, 1986, Beijing, Science Press, (1986), 79.
Gu, B. W. and Wu, C. K., Measuring the position of arc spots with optical fibers embedded in the wall of electrodes, ISPC-9, Pugnochiuso, Italy, (Sept., 1989), 365.
Myers, T. W., et al., Experimental investigation of a magnetically balanced arc in a transverse argon flow,Trans. ASME, J. Eng. for Power,88, 1 (Jan., 1966), 27.
Gu, B. W., A study of the gasdynamic and electromagnetic factors determining the position of arc spots in a tubular arc heater, Ph. D. Thesis, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sceinces, (1989) (in Chinese).
Guile, A. E., et al., Column effects in the interaction of arcs with transverse magnetic fields, Proc. 7th Int. Conf. on Phenomena in Ionized Gases, vol. 1, (1966), 745.
Maecker, H. H. and Stablein, H. G., What keeps an arc standing in a cross flow?,IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science,PS-14, 4(1986).
Gu, B. W. and Wu, C. K., Numerical modelling of the flow and temperature fields in a tubular arc heater, ISPC-9, Pugnochiuso, Italy, (1989), 79.
Zhukov, M. F., et al., Applied Dynamics of Thermal Plasmas, Science Press, Novosibirsk, (1975) (in Russian).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bingwu, G., Chengkang, W. The gasdynamic and electromagnetic factors affecting the position of arc roots in a tubular arc heater. Acta Mech Sinica 7, 199–208 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02487587
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02487587