Viscous Effects on Biowaste Resistojet Nozzle Performance

Abstract

Viscous effects on the performance of biowaste resistojet microthrusters are calculated using Rae's numerica method for low-Reynolds number flow in a nozzle. Results are presented for a 25-mlb thruster suitable for space station attitude control using CO2, CH4, and H2O as propellants. Nozzle exit plane data (such as Mach number, velocity, and temperature profiles) useful for computations of plume contamination are also presented. The performance predictions are compared with experimental data which were available from laboratory firings of a 10-mlb thruster having a trumpet-shaped nozzle with CO2, CH4, H2O and H2 as propellants.