Performance characterization of a segmented anode arcjet thruster

Abstract

Results are presented from a continuing experimental program aimed at providing insight into arc energy deposition in the nozzle, the nature of the arc attachment, and its effects on performance characteristics of the device. A modular, 1-2 kW class arcjet thruster incorporating a segmented anode/nozzle was run on a thrust stand to determine performance characteristics under a number of experimental conditions. The nozzle comprised five axial conducting segments isolated from each other by boron nitride spacers. The electrical configuration permitted the current delivered to the arcjet to be collected at any combination of segments. It is concluded that the changes in the electric field in the nozzle that occur as a result of the changes in the current distribution do not significantly affect the momentum transfer or loss mechanisms in the type of nozzle investigated. Performance characteristics show that the segmented anode reasonably simulates the behavior of solid anodes of similar geometry.