Evaluation of an ETC concept where the propellant combustion is stimulated by an electric current conducted through the flame
Publish date: 2003-01-01
Report number: FOI-R--0995--SE
Pages: 25
Written in: Swedish
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to evaluate the ETC concept that has been examined at FOI where the combustion of the propellant is stimulated by an electric current conduced through the flame. For comparison, a brief presentation of the two most commonly used ETC solutions - plasma injection and current injection - is made. Their basic design and function are briefly described as well as their characteristic properties in various phases of the interior ballistic cycle. FOI´s concept is described in a corresponding manner and qualitatively compared with the two previous ones. So far FOI´s concept is only experimentally examined in a closed vessel. The experimental results are analyzed with respect to the electric resistance in the combustion chamber and the electrothermal pressure increase. Using the latter, the influence of the added electric energy on the combustion is evaluated. One section is devoted to a survey of the electric power requirements for different types of ETC guns and ETC principles. A couple of solutions for stand-alone and platform integrated guns, respectively, together with estimates of weight and volume, are presented.