Performance of a Hydrogen Pulsed Electrothermal Thruster. Strategic Defense Initiative Organization Innovative Science and Technology. SBIR. Phase 1.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA191999 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This report describes effort to determine the technical feasibility of measuring the performance of a pulsed electrothermal thruster on liquid hydrogen propellant. The design of a 5 kW thruster is presented, including the capacitive pulse forming network, arc discharge characteristics, nozzle performance and predicted specific impulse and thrust. A thermal model is discussed which treats and solves the problem of liquid hydrogen it is concluded that a Phase II test should concentrate on water andor hydrazine, and liquid hydrogen testing should be postponed to Phase III. Keywords Electric propulsion, Pulsed electrothermal propulsion Liquid hydrogen propellant.

Author(s):
Burton, Rodney L. ; Goldstein, Shyke A. ; Wang, Shih-ying
Author Organization(s):
GT-DEVICES INC ALEXANDRIA VA
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 12 Jan-12 Jul 87,
Pagination:
0047

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFOSR-TR-88-0196
Contract/Grant Number(s):
F49620-87-C-0028
Task Number(s):
A1
Project Number(s):
2308
Monitor Series:
TR-88-0196
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*ANTIMISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS, *LIQUID HYDROGEN, *STRATEGIC WARFARE, *THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, *THRUSTERS, ELECTRIC ARCS, ELECTRIC DISCHARGES, ELECTRIC PROPULSION, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, HYDRAZINES, HYDROGEN, LIQUID PROPELLANTS, MODELS, NETWORKS, NOZZLES, PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING), PULSES, SPECIFIC IMPULSE, TEST AND EVALUATION, THERMAL PROPERTIES, WATER
Field(s)/Group(s):
Electric and Ion Propulsion, Thermodynamics
Keyword(s):
WUAFOSR2308A1, PE61102F
Report Date:
1987 Sep 28