Numerical simulation of flow fields in large-scale segmented-type arc heaters

Turbulent plasma flow in large-scale arc heater such as NASA 60 MW Interaction Heating Facility was numerically investigated and the distribution of the arc-heated flow-field properties were successfully obtained.The turbulent flow-field was described by the Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with a multitemperature model,tightly coupled with the electric field and the radiation-field calculations. In addition,an accurate and low-cost radiation model and a low-Reynolds number two-equation turbulence model were introduced into the flowfield simulation.It was quantitatively clarified that radiation and turbulence phenomena are very important mechanisms to transfer heat and momentum from high-temperature core region to cold gas region near the wall.To validate the present numerical model,the numerical solutions were compared with the experimental data,e.g.,arc voltage,mass-averaged enthalpy,chamber pressure and heat efficiency.It was indicated that the present flow-field simulation model showed good agreement over various operating conditions of the facilities.