Large inert-gas thrustersUsing present technology as a starting point, performance predictions were made for large thrusters. The optimum beam diameter for maximum thruster efficiency was determined for a range of specific impulse. This optimum beam diameter varied greatly with specific impulse, from about 0.6 m at 3000 seconds (and below) to about 4 m at 10,000 seconds with argon, and from about 0.6 m at 2,000 seconds (and below) to about 12 m at 10,000 seconds with Xe. These beams sizes would require much larger thrusters than those presently available, but would offer substantial complexity and cost reductions for large electric propulsion systems.
Document ID
19810056531
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kaufman, H. R. (Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Robinson, R. S. (Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, United States)