Cathode erosion tests for 30 kW arcjets

Abstract

Endurance tests (100 hours) were conducted to examine the effects of geometry and spacing on 30 kW arcjet cathode erosion. The effects of input power source ripple were also examined. The preliminary results from a 413 hour endurance test are also discussed. This test was terminated voluntarily. The condition of the nozzle, boron nitride propellant injector, and cathode are discussed. A modeling effort is described which is aimed at quantifying the cathode tip heating phenomena. The results of the experiments and the model are compared.