Open AccessLow-Current, Xenon Orificed Hollow Cathode Performance for In-Space Applications
Author(s) -
Matthew Domonkos,
Michael Patterson,
Alec D. Gallimore
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of propulsion and power
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1533-3876
pISSN - 0748-4658
DOI - 10.2514/2.6127
Subject(s) - body orifice , cathode , materials science , volumetric flow rate , diode , mass flow rate , current (fluid) , orifice plate , thermal conduction , xenon , tube (container) , optics , mechanics , electrical engineering , atomic physics , optoelectronics , physics , composite material , thermodynamics , mechanical engineering , engineering
Summary An experimental investigation of the operating characteristics of 3.2-mm diameter orificed hollow cathodes was conducted to examine low-current and low flow rate operation. Cathode power was minimized with an orifice aspect ratio of approximately one and the use of an enclosed keeper. Cathode flow rate requirements were proportional to orifice diameter and the inverse of the orifice length. The minimum power consumption in diode mode was IO-W, and the minimum mass flow rate required for spotmode emission was approximately O.08-mgls. Cathode temperature profiles were obtained using an imaging radiometer, and conduction was found to be the dominant heat transfer mechanism from the cathode tube. Orifice plate temperatures were found to be weakly dependent upon the flow rate and strongly dependent upon the current. ARx = Do = Lo = R = SSPC = x = Nomenclature cathode with an orifice aspect ratio of x orifice diameter, m orifice length, m orifice radius, m Space Station Plasma Contactor orifice aspect ratio
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