Numerical Modeling for the Accurate Computations of Arc-Heater Flows

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to develop an accurate analysis code for the flow of arc-heater by employing advanced numerical models. Governing equations are hyperbolictype axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations which include joule heating by arc, radiation and turbulent transport effect. Joule heating is simply calculated by Ohms law with the given distribution of current. Radiation is computed by the three-band model which accounts for self-absorption and is consistent with the detailed line-by-line radiation model. Turbulence effect is incorporated by two-equation turbulence models which can describe the transport of turbulence. In order to assess the performance of the newly developed code, AHF and IHF are calculated in various operating conditions. And, it is confirmed that two-equation turbulence models combined with the three-band radiation model simulate the flow physics in arc-heater more accurately than any other previous models and the influence of the turbulence is as much as or bigger than radiation effect.