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Low-Density Gas Dynamic Facility

Citation

McGill, James Alexander (1967) Low-Density Gas Dynamic Facility. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/P04W-KX13. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-11152005-081030

Abstract

The question of optimizing nozzle contours for micro-thrust rockets led to the design, construction, and testing of a low-density gas dynamic facility. The primary objective was to investigate the mass flow rates of a gas through various profiles in the slip and transition flow regimes at high pressure ratios. An initial test was conducted with an orifice as the test profile. The results showed that the facility can be used to investigate mass flow rates from the threshold of the free-molecule, through the transition and slip, to the continuum regimes. These results compare favorably with those of two previous investigators, and asymptotically approach the theoretical continuum and free-molecule limits. The ratio of mass flow rate to theoretical free-molecule mass flow rate is shown to transition smoothly from one theoretical limit to the other. A local maximum may occur in this ratio in the slip regime, and the attainment of the theoretical free-molecule limit appears to occur more slowly than expected.

Item Type:Thesis (Engineer's thesis)
Subject Keywords:(Aeronautical Engineering)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Aeronautics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Marble, Frank E. (advisor)
  • Zukoski, Edward E. (advisor)
Group:GALCIT
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:22 September 1966
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-11152005-081030
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-11152005-081030
DOI:10.7907/P04W-KX13
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:4567
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:16 Nov 2005
Last Modified:19 Mar 2024 21:12

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