Durability Testing of Additively Manufactured High Power Microwave Structures
Abstract
Anode structures for a relativistic planar magnetron were 3D printed from a photopolymer using a stereolithography printing process. One anode was electroplated with copper, whereas the other was thermal-sprayed with copper. The performance and durability of these structures were evaluated in comparison to a solid aluminum anode fabricated via conventional machining. The experimental parameters were: cathode voltages between -150 and -300 kV, voltage pulselengths of 200-600 ns, axial magnetic fields of 0.13-0.31 T, peak anode currents from 1-7 kA, and a base operating pressure of 9x10 (expn -6) torr. The 3D printed anodes demonstrated comparable microwave performance to the aluminum anode, generating microwave powers in excess of 150 MW. After 100 shots on each structure, neither anode showed any signs of operationally-induced damage. A subsequent experiment has been designed and constructed to evaluate durability over longer time-periods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1048348
Entities
People
- Nicholas Jordan
Organizations
- Board of Regents of the University of Michigan