Enthalpy probe for arc heater flow diagnostics
Abstract
This paper describes accomplishments made in the research and development of a dual sonic nozzle enthalpy probe for arc heater flow diagnostics. The primary concern and focus for the study presented herein, was the fabrication of an internally cooled structure that can survive a steady-state dwell in a severe heating environment. This structure is the housing and thermal protection system for the instrumentation necessary to measure gas enthalpy. The structure was constructed from photochemical etched metal foils that were laminated and diffusion bonded to form a controlled porosity housing with high internal cooling effectiveness. Selected prototypes were successfully tested to evaluate structural and heat extraction capabilities. Structural integrity at coolant pressures exceeding 3000 psi was demonstrated. An arc heater test evaluation was conducted in a Mach 2.8 flow with a stagnation pressure and enthalpy of 14 atm and 4500 Btu/lb, respectively. The probe survived the arc heater test, both in a sweep mode and an 0.83 second dwell in the flow, with no evidence of over-heating. These demonstrations have resulted in further development of the structure into a fully instrumented enthalpy probe.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, 28th Thermophysics Conference
- Pub Date:
- July 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993thph.confS....G
- Keywords:
-
- Arc Heating;
- Enthalpy;
- Gas Flow;
- Heat Flux;
- Sonic Nozzles;
- Thermal Protection;
- Flow Distribution;
- Mach Number;
- Metal Foils;
- Steady State;
- Supersonic Flow;
- Instrumentation and Photography