Computational Simulation of High Enthalpy Arc Heater Flows

The flowfields in segmented constrictor-type arc heaters are simulated using a new Navier-Stokes code named ARCFLO3. The validity of the radiation and turbulence modeling employed in ARCFLO3 is assessed by comparing the calculated results with the existing experimental data obtained in the 20 and 60 MW arcjet facilities at NASA Ames Research Center. Comparison is made between the calculated and the measured data for arc voltage, heater efficiency, mass-averaged enthalpy, chamber pressure, heat flux at wall, and total enthalpy in the centerline region of an arcjet flow