Application of fluidics to new control components

Abstract

The inherent tolerance for nuclear radiation makes fluidic devices candidates for nuclear rocket control systems. Also, they are being considered for supersonic jet engine inlet control because of their high temperature and vibration tolerance. Three new control components being considered for these applications are described. A fluidic circuit to control a pneumatic stepping motor for nuclear rocket control drum actuation is discussed. An all-fluidic sensor being developed for determining the position of the normal shock in the inlet of a supersonic jet engine is outlined. A new vortex valve configuration is developed to prevent supersonic jet engine inlet unstarts by regulating bypass flow.