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Results for “CESIUM ENGINE”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Design and development of a Micropound Extended Range Thrust Stand (MERTS)

The development and operation of a micropound extended range thrust stand are considered. A cesium ion engine was tested in order to determine the measurement accuracy of the apparatus and to verify the calibration techniques used. The ion engine was tracked to within 5 percent. A check of the thrust stand calibration factor against that of the ion engine calibration factor showed a 4.3 percent difference.

Stark, K. W.↗

Data from a synchronous altitude satellite quartz crystal microbalance monitor

Results of one year's operation in orbit of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance Monitor on the ATS-6 satellite are presented. The data indicate a general decreasing trend for the first four and one-half months in orbit. At that time, a sudden increase in beat frequency occurred; this correlates in time with the firing of the North Cesium Ion Engine. A general increase in beat frequency is evidenced since that time. Laboratory tests conducted to investigate the phenomenon are described.

Rogers, J. F.↗

ATS-6 - Quartz-Crystal Microbalance

The Quartz-Crystal Microbalance Experiment provided data on the possible return of contaminants to the exterior surfaces of the spacecraft. The experiment measures the change in resonant frequency of the crystal due to deposition of material on the surface. There has been no mass accretion corresponding to the firing of hydrazine thrusters to unload the spacecraft momentum wheels. There have been accretions corresponding to the firing of the cesium ion engines.

Rogers, J. F.↗

High-Vacuum Condenser Design: Experimental Effects from Cesium and Mercury Ion Beams

Effects of variable-energy electrostatic rocket-engine ion exhaust beams that pertain to the design of high-vacuum condensers are discussed. Three ion-engine beam sources, using cesium and mercury as propellants, were operated at energy levels of 200 to 9000 electron volts and currents of 0.002 to 0.200 ampere. Five condenser geometries, having surface areas from 0.287 to 5.76 square meters, were tested. Values for a function of the accommodation and condensation coefficients, which appears in an existing theoretical analysis, were determined. Although exhibiting rather wide variations in some tests, the values were estimated at approximately 0.15 for cesium and 0.015 for mercury. A method of estimating condenser surface area requirements is given.

MERCURY /METAL/↗