The mechanism of propulsion effect of BLEVE based on discharge

Abstract

Propellant could reach a high pressure and temperature situation in a very short time by the use of high voltage pulsed discharge. Once sharp depressurization occurs, BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion) happens immediately with a violent phase transition. A two-phase flow with high pressure and speed forms and often causes severe damage. It is also useful in other aspects such as propulsion. The numerical simulation of BLEVE for propulsion shows the pressure has a sharp increasing when phase transition begins. Then a two phase mixture flow moves forward with a high speed and compresses the gas in front. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.