| タイトル | Liquid-metal-fed Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for In-space Propulsion |
| 著者（英） | Markusic, Thomas E. |
| 著者所属（英） | NASA Marshall Space Flight Center |
| 発行日 | 2004-01-01 |
| 言語 | eng |
| 内容記述 | Liquid metal propellants may provide a path toward more reliable and efficient pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs). Conceptual thruster designs which eliminate the need for high current switches and propellant metering valves are described. Propellant loading techniques are suggested that show promise to increase thruster propellant utilization, dynamic, and electrical efficiency. Calibration results from a compact, electromagnetically-pumped propellant feed system are presented. Results for lithium and gallium propellants show capability to meter propellant at flow rates up to 10 +/- 0.1 mg/s. Experiments investigating the initiation of arc discharges using liquid metal droplets are presented. High speed photography and laser interferometry provide spatially and temporally resolved information on the decomposition of liquid metal droplets , and the evolution of the accelerating current channel. |
| NASA分類 | Metals and Metallic Materials |
| 権利 | No Copyright |
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