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Characterization of the NEXT Hollow Cathode Inserts After Long-Duration TestingHollow dispenser cathode inserts are a critical element of electric propulsion systems, and should therefore be well understood during long term operation to ensure reliable system performance. This work destructively investigated cathode inserts from the NEXT long-duration test which demonstrated 51,184 hours of high-voltage operation, 918 kg of propellant throughput, and 35.5 MN-s of total impulse. The characterization methods used include scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microscopy analysis has been performed on fractured surfaces, emission surfaces, and metallographically polished cross-sections of post-test inserts and unused inserts. Impregnate distribution, etch region thickness, impregnate chemical content, emission surface topography, and emission surface phase identification are the primary factors investigated.
Document ID
20180000837
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Mackey, Jonathan A.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Shastry, Rohit
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Soulas, George C.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
January 30, 2018
Publication Date
December 1, 2017
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
IEPC-2017-304
GRC-E-DAA-TN48807
NASA/TM-2017-219713
E-19441
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 336763.01.05.02.04.05.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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