The effects of gas mixtures on ion engine erosion and performanceErosion measurements were performed on a modified J-series 30 cm ion engine operating on xenon propellant. Erosion data was obtained by measuring the trench depth etched into masked polished metal samples for test durations of up to 24 hours. The data indicates that erosion is greatest at the cathode side of the baffle, with tantalum being the material with the least erosion of all materials tested. There is a clear indication of a significant reduction in erosion of all materials tested when nitrogen is added to the propellant. The technique used in these experiments requires test samples which are extremely smooth and flat.
Document ID
19870053863
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Garner, Charles E. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Brophy, John R. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Aston, Graeme (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)