Smoke generator
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorJames R. Rogers
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Abstract
A smoke generator is disclosed which is particularly suitable for mounting on the wing tips of an aircraft and for conducting airflow studies. The device includes a network of thermally insulated tubes for carrying a fluid which is used to produce smoke. The fluid, which need not be combustible, is heated above its vaporization temperature by electric current which is passed through the fluid conduit tubes, so that the tubes serve both as fluid conduits and resistance heating elements. Fluid supply and monitoring systems and electrical control systems are also disclosed.
Claims6
A smoke generator comprising:
- an elongated central core structure,
- a plurality of smoke generating hyperdermic tubing coils arranged about said central core structure, each of said smoke generating coils providing both conduction of electrical current and transmission of smoke generating fluid,
- electrical heating means coupled to said tubing in each said smoke generating coil for heating said tubing and thereby vaporizing said fluid;
- and,
- a preheating means coupled to said smoke generating coils for supplying smoke generating fluid to said smoke generating coils and for permitting said fluid to be heated prior to its entry into said smoke generating coils.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.