An investigation of a supersonic chemical reactor.

Abstract

The development of a supersonic chemical reactor is examined. The central concept of such a reactor is that gases can be expanded to supersonic speed which will result in a decrease in their static temperature to the extent that no reaction will occur when the gases are mixed together. After mixing has occurred the mixture can then be passed through a standing shock to raise this temperature very rapidly, thus controlling the product spectrum. The main areas of interest for such a reactor, namely the establishment of a shock and the mixing of two gases at supersonic speed are examined.