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Vahrenkamp, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Vahrenkamp, R..

3 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

An experimental investigation of multiple ion processes in mercury bombardment thrusters

Utilizing a collimated E x B mass separator probe, the ratio of double to single ion current densities has been measured in the beam of a 30 cm ion thruster over a wide range of beam and discharge conditions. For a specified thruster geometry, the mass utilization efficiency has been found to be the governing parameter in the determination of the doubly-charged ion content. By a reduction in the open area of the accelerator grid, a reduction in the doubly-charged ion ratio could be achieved while maintaining overall efficiency constant. The results are examined in terms of ion densities and neutral loss rates.

Vahrenkamp, R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Thrust vectoring systems

The design, fabrication, and testing of thrust vectorable ion optical systems capable of controlling the thrust direction from both 5- and 30-cm diameter ion thrusters is described. Both systems are capable of greater than 10 deg thrust deflection in any azimuthal direction. The 5-cm system is electrostatic and hence has a short response time and minimal power consumption. It has recently been tested for more than 7500 hours on an operational thruster. The 30-cm system is mechanical, has a response time of the order of 1 min, and consumes less than 0.3% of the total system input power at full deflection angle.

King, H. J.↗