Accession Number:

AD0838570

Title:

PULSED VACUUM ARC THRUSTOR STUDY.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 3 Apr 67-31 Aug 68,

Corporate Author:

CORNELL AERONAUTICAL LAB INC BUFFALO NY

Personal Author(s):

• Clark, R. J.
• Graham, J. R., Jr.
• Gilmour, A. S., Jr.
• Lockwood, D. L.
• Veron, H.

Report Date:

1968-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

171.0

Abstract:

Development of a wire-fuel, pulsed vacuum arc thrustor is described. Calorimetry, diagnostics, use of thrust stands, and life tests are described, as applied to this development. The prototype pulsed vacuum arc thrustor yielded a thrust range of up to 600 micropounds specific impulse in the range of 500 to 1500 seconds, total impulse up to 1000 pound seconds, and pulse life time of up to 6 x 10 to the 7th power pulses. Overall system weights based on measured performance are computed for missions ranging in duration to 10 years and total impulse to 5000 pound seconds. The effects of variation of power conditioning, specific weight, propellant mass utilization and pulse life are delineated. Author

Descriptors:

• *ARC JET ENGINES
• *ELECTRIC PROPULSION
• SPECIFIC IMPULSE
• ELECTRIC ARCS
• VACUUM
• STABILITY
• PULSES
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• AMMUNITION FEED MECHANISMS
• CATHODES
• FLIGHT TESTING
• SIMULATION
• CIRCUITS
• WIRE
• MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
• LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE)
• CAPTIVE TESTS
• TEST METHODS
• TEST EQUIPMENT

Subject Categories:

• Electric and Ion Propulsion

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE