Effects of mode of operation in a combustion-product plasma generator on the fluctuations in the output characteristics

A study has been made of the relationship between the output-characteristic pulsations and the mode of operation of a combustion-product plasma generator (PG) as used in an open-cycle MHG. Two plasma generators are considered that differ by a factor 20 in the overall flow rate of the combustion products and which have Mach numbers at the outlet Mapprox. =2. Relationships have been derived between the levels of the pulsations in temperature and conductivity on the one hand and the average jet parameters and working parameters of the PG on the other. The qualitative theory of the observed phenomena is given. It is shown that the pulsations in these PG are due to the production of temperature inhomogeneities in the combustion zone due to fluctuations in the ratio of the fuel component and in the completeness of combustion. Theory is compared with experiment.