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An Analysis Of Multiple Configurations Of Next-Generation Cathodes In A Low Power Hall Thruster, John E. Rotter
An Analysis Of Multiple Configurations Of Next-Generation Cathodes In A Low Power Hall Thruster, John E. Rotter
Theses and Dissertations
The research presented here is an effort to integrate an existing hollow cathode design with a low power production Hall thruster in multiple geometries. Both externally- and internally-mounted cathodes were fabricated and operated in conjunction with a Busek BHT-1500 Hall thruster. Three insert materials were evaluated; Cerium Hexaboride (CeB6), Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB6), and impregnated tungsten. The thruster was operated at a single operating condition for all testing. The operating specifications for the discharge were 300 V and 2.25 A, giving a total power of 675 W. The boride-based cathodes were tested in both geometries while the tungsten-based cathode was only …
Ion Based Pressure Sensor For Pulse Detonation Engines, Jeffrey S. Zdenek
Ion Based Pressure Sensor For Pulse Detonation Engines, Jeffrey S. Zdenek
Theses and Dissertations
A high speed, durable, ion probe based pressure sensor is being investigated for use in pulse detonation engines. Traditional pressure sensors are ill suited for the high temperature and vibratory environment encountered in such engines. An alternative transient pressure sensing method is investigated for pressures behind a hydrocarbon flame. These flames generate ions that are quenched by collisions as a function of pressure. An experiment was devised to correlate the ion decay rate with the pressure using an ion probe well suited for the flow. A correlation has been established showing the ion decay rate is a function of pressure. …