Abstract
The interaction mechanism between the plasma and liquid is a key problem for the electrothermal chemical launch technology. To investigate this problem, a simulated experiment for the expansion process of a plasma jet in the working fluid is carried on. Based on this experiment, a two-dimensional axisymmetric unsteady theoretical model is established to reveal the plasma-liquid interaction flow field pattern. The results show that a typical Taylor cavity forms as the plasma jet expands in liquid. The induction effect of the stepped-wall structure enhances the radial expansion of the plasma jet. An arc-shaped pressure wave is generated at the front of the plasma jet and then evolves into the plane wave. A high-pressure area forms at the head of the plasma jet and then moves downstream. There is a strong plasma-liquid turbulent mixing at the interface, especially near the steps and the nozzle exit area.
Highlights
Electrothermal chemical launch technology, which is an advanced high-velocity propulsion technology, is widely interested by scholars [1]
The interaction mechanism between the plasma and liquid is a key problem for the electrothermal chemical launch technology
Expansion process of a plasma jet in the stepped-wall liquid chamber filled with water was analyzed by the numerical calculation
Summary
Electrothermal chemical launch technology, which is an advanced high-velocity propulsion technology, is widely interested by scholars [1]. It is necessary to investigate the expansion process and characteristics of the plasma jet in liquid and find a suitable method to control the stability of the liquid propellant combustion. The concept of using a stepped-wall structure in the liquid chamber was introduced as a potential mean of controlling the combustion of bulk-loaded liquid propellant [7], and this approach was further developed and tested by experimental and numerical research [8] [9]. Zhang [11] found that the radial turbulence of the plasma jet is enhanced in the stepped-wall liquid chamber. The evolution process of a plasma jet in the stepped-wall liquid chamber with four steps was observed by the experiment. The results can provide a reference to investigate the interaction mechanism of the plasma jet and the ambient liquid
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