Scholarlink

<p>The primary focus of this work is to characterize a micro-cathode arc thruster with a propellant feeding mechanism to extend its lifetime. To that end, we have proposed a side-feeding micro-cathode arc thruster. The thruster’s in-built feeding mechanism allows the cathode to be consumed during operation, providing a continuous supply of propellant. The ion-to-arc current fraction of about 0.025 was detected, and an initial pulse count of 1.34&#xa0;M was achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the feeding mechanism. An average erosion rate of 4&#xa0;µg/C was measured, and a total change in cathode length of 10&#xa0;mm indicates the successful implementation of the spring-loaded side feeding mechanism.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Side feeding mechanism for micro cathode arc thruster

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月11日

查看全文
  • Guru Sankar Duppada,
  • Anmol Taploo,
  • Vikas Soni,
  • Adam Karp,
  • Jake Spinelli,
  • Michael Keidar

摘要

The primary focus of this work is to characterize a micro-cathode arc thruster with a propellant feeding mechanism to extend its lifetime. To that end, we have proposed a side-feeding micro-cathode arc thruster. The thruster’s in-built feeding mechanism allows the cathode to be consumed during operation, providing a continuous supply of propellant. The ion-to-arc current fraction of about 0.025 was detected, and an initial pulse count of 1.34 M was achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the feeding mechanism. An average erosion rate of 4 µg/C was measured, and a total change in cathode length of 10 mm indicates the successful implementation of the spring-loaded side feeding mechanism.