Analytical-Experimental Correlation of Radiation Loss from an Argon Arcjet

A previous report (AEL-621) described a series of total radiation surveys of a turbulent argon arcjet using a collimated radiation probe. The results, although based on admittedly 'rough' experiments, indicated a total radiation loss considerably less than prior theoretical predictions. In the present report, these theories are reviewed in some detail, and the entire series of experiments is re-examined, particularly with reference to the effect of collimation on the results. It was found that although the radiation distributions measured in (1) were accurate, the method used to analyze the data was incorrect. Using the same experimental data, the measured radiation loss was recalculated properly, taking into account the effect of the collimator. Results indicated a considerably larger loss than had been reported, and were found to agree quite well with the theoretical estimates given in the present report.