Characterization of a High Current, Long Life Hollow Cathode - Softcover

Vannoord, Jonathan L

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1287250408 ISBN 13: 9781287250401

Publisher: Bibliogov, 2013

Synopsis

The advent of higher power spacecraft makes it desirable to use higher power electric propulsion thrusters such as ion thrusters or Hall thrusters. Higher power thrusters require cathodes that are capable of producing higher currents. One application of these higher power spacecraft is deep-space missions that require tens of thousands of hours of operation. This paper presents the approach used to design a high current, long life hollow cathode assembly for that application, along with test results from the corresponding hollow cathode. The design approach used for the candidate hollow cathode was to reduce the temperature gradient in the insert, yielding a lower peak temperature and allowing current to be produced more uniformly along the insert. The lower temperatures result in a hollow cathode with increased life. The hollow cathode designed was successfully operated at currents from 10 to 60 A with flow rates of 5 to 19 sccm with a maximum orifice temperature measured of 1100 C. Data including discharge voltage, keeper voltage, discharge current, flow rates, and orifice plate temperatures are presented.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bibliogov
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1287250408
• ISBN 13: 9781287250401
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 26