Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Robotti, A. C..
Results of experimental electric propulsion research are presented. A plasma generator, with an arc stabilized by an air vortex is examined. The heat transfer efficiency between arc and fluid environment at a varying current and flow rate is discussed.
This paper describes work on arcs rotating in a magnetic field. Particular care was taken about the design of the electrodes in order to achieve long-time operation. Successful performance tests were carried out.
Experiments which use a new type of arc-jet, characterized by composite electromagnetic and vortex stabilization and propelled by hydrogen and nitrogen in turn are described. The electrical characteristics of the arc and the loss of heat through the electrodes is emphasized.
The possibility of using an electric arc under the influence of a magnetic field in ambient air to transform the heat energy of the working fluid arc into the kinetic energy of the jet was investigated. A convergent-divergent type nozzle was used. Variation of specific thrust and chamber pressure are discussed. Nitrogen was the propellant used.