Flow establishment over constrictor in arcjet operation

A simple arcjet operation model has been developed based on a steady-state, quasi-one-dimensional discharge/flow analysis. An operation point is deter mined from a voltage minimum criterion. Both high and low-voltage mode solu tions are obtained. In the high mode, the discharge current is attached to the anode in the supersonic flow region. The voltage-current characteristic exhibits a favorable decreasing dependence. In the low mode, the energy in put from Joule heating is done effectively in the subsonic flow region. Plu ral solutions which correspond to the respective modes can coexist.