GENERAL RESEARCH. ELECTRON BOMBARDMENT HEATING FOR ELECTROTHERMAL PROPULSION,
Abstract
Electrothermal propulsion devices developed to date can be grouped into two classifications, namely, the arc jet and the electrical resistance heated heat transfer propulsor. The former type features Joule heating directly in the gas; in the latter, a resistance heated refractory metal heat exchanger transfers heat to the propellant by conduction. This report introduces the technique of high-voltage, low-current electron bombardment heating for the heat transfer thrustor. The electron bombardment approach has inherent advatages for space applications and allows lifting of several restrictions found with resistance heating methods. A tantalum, electron bombardment type gas heater was built to research thrustor operation. Steady-state gas temperatures to 2700K were produced with argon at a voltage-to-current ratio greater than 50. The device functioned successfully for a total operating time of approximately 50 hours. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0430482
Entities
People
- K. E. Starner
- W. R. Grabowsky
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation