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A model for predicting the wearout lifetime of the LeRC/Hughes 30-cm mercury ion thrusterAn investigation of parameters that affect the erosion rates of 30-cm-diameter mercury-ion-thruster components is described. A sputter-erosion model is formulated in terms of the design, operational, and material characteristics of the thruster. The erosion model is applied to the screen electrode, which is assumed to be the life-limiting component of the 30-cm thruster, resulting in a model of wearout lifetime. Results of short-term erosion-rate tests are presented that illustrate the dependence of component wear rates on variables such as discharge voltage, accelerator-grid open-area fraction, ion energy, electrode material, and the partial pressure of facility residual gases such as nitrogen. Test results are compared with wearout rates predicted by the sputter-erosion model.
Document ID
19800036792
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Beattie, J. R.
(Hughes Research Laboratories Malibu, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1979
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-2079
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Princeton, NJ
Start Date: October 30, 1979
End Date: November 1, 1979
Sponsors: Princeton University, AIAA, and DGLR,
Accession Number
80A20962
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS3-21040
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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