Pulsed Plasma Propulsion Technology.
Abstract
A performance level compatible with the goal of 30% thrust efficiency at 1500 seconds specific impulse set for this program was successfully demonstrated with the parallel rail pulsed ablative thruster using Telfon propellant. Three studies were carried out in order to achieve this objective-parametric variations in which the effects of interelectrode spacing and electrode angle were evaluated; propellant studies wherein the performance of alternative thermoplastics was compared to Teflon and Teflon was seeded with elements having low ionization potentials for performance evaluation; and energy transfer studies, undertaken to assess quantitatively the major energy loss mechanisms associated with the thruster. Results of the parametric variations showed that a 20 degrees included angle between electrodes yields optimal performance at discharge energies up to 450J. At higher energies performance appears to be insensitive to this parameter. It was also demonstrated that increasing the interelectrode spacing leads to higher specific impulse and lower thruster/power at a given discharge energy. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0768224
Entities
People
- Dominic J. Palumbo
- William J. Guman