Effects and Control of Contamination from a Scaled MOL Attitude Control Thruster in a Radial Orientation
Abstract
A test was conducted to determine the effects of contamination produced by a 1-lb scaled Manned Orbital Laboratory thruster. The test required pulsing the 1-lb attitude control thruster in its radial orientation and determining the effects of contaminates from the thruster impinging on optical and thermal control surface test specimens located on a flat plate exposed to the thruster exhaust plume. The thruster was pulsed with durations of 20, 50, 100, and 1000 msec with 1000 msec off time at altitudes above 400,000 ft. Significant contamination was produced for the pulse-mode operation. Methods for control of contamination from the thruster and on the plate were investigated. In situ reflectance, emittance, and transmittance measurements were made on the optical and thermal control surface test specimens under vacuum conditions and at atmospheric pressure. Pretest and posttest laboratory measurements were made at atmospheric conditions. Contamination deposited on the plate was near and below the thruster exit, and the amount of contamination produced by the thruster decreased as the thruster pulse duration increased. Contamination controls evaluated during the test were the heated shroud and a fence located on the plate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0860705
Entities
People
- Dale K. Smith
- David W. Hill Jr.
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex