High-Power, NH3 Arcjet Cathode Lifetime Evaluation Experiments And Plans

William D Deininger; Thomas J Pivirotto

doi:10.1117/12.943767

9 May 1988 High-Power, NH₃ Arcjet Cathode Lifetime Evaluation Experiments And Plans

William D Deininger, Thomas J Pivirotto

Proceedings Volume 0872, Propulsion; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.943767
Event: 1988 Los Angeles Symposium: O-E/LASE '88, 1988, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Preliminary experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate the effects of a modified cathode shape on ammonia arcjet engine performance. The experiments were conducted with a contoured nozzle arcjet in a fully-instrumented facility which included a thrust stand. The modified cathode tip had a reduced diameter and more acute conical tip with respect to the baseline cathode design. A uniform 15% decrease in arc voltage was demonstrated over a mass flow range of 0.175 to 0.350 g/s. A 4% improvement in thrust efficiency was noted at 22.0 kW. Plans for future cathode testing are discussed with the aim of developing a long-life, high-performance arcjet cathode.

Citation Download Citation

William D Deininger and Thomas J Pivirotto "High-Power, NH₃ Arcjet Cathode Lifetime Evaluation Experiments And Plans", Proc. SPIE 0872, Propulsion, (9 May 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.943767

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