Method for taking account of the effect of chemical kinetics on the thermodynamic properties of the working body in supersonic MHD generators

This article proposes a system of kinetic equations which is minimally required for engineering calculations, and an effective method for its solution. The results of calculations using the method developed and an “exact” method are compared. An investigation is made of the effect of error in the rate constants of the chemical reactions on the composition of the working body. The results of calculations of the deviation of the composition and thermodynamic properties from their equilibrium values allow of a conclusion as to the importance of taking account of chemical nonequilibrium for some working conditions of an open-cycle supersonic MHD generator.