Arc-shock interaction inside a supersonic nozzle

Arc-shock interaction in a supersonic nozzle has been investigated. Flow separation in the thermal layer between the high-temperature arc core and cold flow generates large vortices which deform the shape of the arc core. For the current range investigated, the center of the shock is not sensitive to the current, but is moved upstream relative to that without the arc. The computed features of the interaction are in agreement with the experimental observations of Sturzenegger (1980). The arcing gas is SF/sub 6/.