Pulsed Plasma Propulsion Technology.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA043529 | Open PDF

Abstract:

A pulsed plasma thruster system delivering one millipound of thrust at a sustained firing rate of .16 Hz and specific impulse of 1620 seconds was developed, designed, fabricated, and tested for a total of 12,183 pound-seconds 55, 714 Newton-seconds of total impulse prior to voluntary shut-down of the test. The system utilizes high energy density 40 Joulespound 81.7Jkg KF-film capacitors and a completely packaged bread-board power converter. A total impulse capability of 37,500 pounds-seconds 166, 810 Newton-seconds was designed into the system and the resulting 23.44 pounds 10.63 kg of solid Teflon propellant is stored in the shape of a helical coil having an outside diameter of 17.32 inches 44 cm and overall height of 6.25 inches 15.88 cm. The system was refurbished after completion of the endurance test so that the total compliment of propellant could be restored and run to complete depletion at the AFRPL during their in-house endurance test. This report describes in detail the system and results of endurance testing at Fairchild Republic Company. Author

Author(s):
Palumbo, Dominic J. ; Guman, William J.
Author Organization(s):
FAIRCHILD REPUBLIC CO FARMINGDALE N Y
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 10 Mar 72-30 May 77,
Pagination:
0043

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
MS147R300, AFRPL-TR-77-40
Contract/Grant Number(s):
F04611-72-C-0053
Task Number(s):
11
Project Number(s):
3058
Monitor Series:
TR-77-40
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*PULSE GENERATORS, *ELECTRIC PROPULSION, *PLASMA JETS, *SPACE PROPULSION, ENDURANCE(GENERAL), ENERGY STORAGE, THRUSTERS, SPECIFIC IMPULSE, ELECTRIC ARCS, CAPACITORS, SOLID PROPELLANTS, TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE RESINS, CYCLIC RATE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Active and Passive Radar Detection and Equipment, Electric and Ion Propulsion, Rocket Propellants
Keyword(s):
Plasma propulsion, PE62302F, WUAFRPL305811VF
Report Date:
1977 Sep 01