Ram Accelerator Performance Calculations Using a Modified Version of the NASA CET89 Equilibrium Chemistry Code

Abstract : The equilibrium chemistry code, CET89, is modified to calculate the performance of ram projectiles using 1-D control volume derived governing equations. The modified program is capable of calculating the projectile thrust and chemical energy release as functions of projectile velocity. This information is then used to calculate the distance vs. time trace of a projectile traveling through an accelerator barrel. The modified program retains the full use of the thermodynamic database of the original code thus permitting performance calculations for a wide range of reactant mixtures.