Hollow cathodes in high pressure arc dischargesAn orified hallow cathode was tested at high pressure to improve lifetime and efficiency in arcjet thrusters. It is indicated that the arc would not operate with emission from the insert above 200 torr in nitrogen regardless of insert material, orifice diameter, or gas flow direction. Emission occurred from the insert in argon and xenon although it could not be ascertained whether diffuse or spot emission existed within the cathode. Over the extended range of configurations and operating parameters explored the desired diffuse emission mode could not be obtained at high enough pressures for orified hollow cathodes to operate in the range which is considered for arcjet applications.
Document ID
19860029708
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hardy, T. L. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Curran, F. M. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)