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Anode arc motion in high power arcjetsThe long-term operational lifetime of most medium to high power arcjets is currently limited by the rapid deterioration of the arcjet electrodes. To a large extent, the rate of this deterioration is related to the motion of the arc discharge on the electrode surfaces. This paper details a series of experiments aimed at studying the temporal behavior of dc arcs on a water-cooled radially-segmented 30 kW class arcjet anode. The experimental anode used for these tests was made of copper, and was divided into four equivalent radial segments which were electrically isolated with aluminum oxide gaskets. The current carried by each segment was measured independently using four calibrated resistive shunts, and was analyzed by digital computer. The tests were limited to nitrogen propellant over a current range of 100-250 A dc. Results show that for the range of total currents considered here, the current distribution in the segmented arcjet anode is generally asymmetric, exhibiting random fluctuations over a wide range of frequencies.
Document ID
19920071572
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Harris, W. J.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
O'Hair, E. A.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Hatfield, L. L.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Kristiansen, M.
(Texas Tech University Lubbock, United States)
Mankins, J. S.
(Central Power & Light Co., Corpus Christi, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1992
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 92-3838
Accession Number
92A54196
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT-50635
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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