30 KW ARC-JET THRUSTOR RESEARCH.
Abstract
A research and advanced developmentprogram on a 30 KW arc-jet thrustor is described herein. An experimental radiation-cooled, hydrogen-propelled thrustor designed under a previous Air Force program had demonstrated a high level of performance with a lifetime greater than 100 hours. The current program, a continued effort at the 30 KW power level, required the attainment of improved performance characteristics (eta > or = 55% at Isp = 1000 secs.) and a lifetime demonstration of 500 hours. To attain these difficult performance requriements a thrustor having a regeneratively-cooled anode/nozzle was designed which maintained as closely as possible the internal geometry which had performed successfully in the previous program. The successful completion of a continuous 500-hour endurance test at the required operating conditions without failure indicates that this 30 KW arc-jet thrustor is indeed as advanced as any other type of electric propulsion system at this time. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0608788
Entities
People
- James P. Todd