Recent German Contributions to Research in Thermogasdynamics of Aerospace Propulsion Systems

Abstract

SummaryAfter some introductory remarks about Reynolds and Prandtl the results of some work in the field of the aerodynamics of propulsion plants will be described. In this context there are, first, cascade flows in which the influence of such parameters as Reynolds number, Mach number, axial pressure ratio, turbulence and boundary constraint have been studied. Investigations in the transonic and supersonic ranges will also be considered.Flows with heat addition at both subsonic and supersonic speeds are then dealt with, including reaction-kinetic effects in the ignition of fuel and in the recombination processes in expanding jets.The flow problems which arose in the development of the rocket test beds for the third stage of the ELDO rocket will be described and, in particular, the special rocket steam generators and flow problems associated with the strong cooling of the hot rocket gases will be discussed.Next we shall deal with work on the flow processes in the acceleration of electrically-conducting gases. Some results are described of the self-magnetic—the Hall current—and the electrodeless electromagnetic acceleration.Finally some problems of measurement techniques will be touched on.