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Mechanisms of anode power deposition in a low pressure free burning arcAnode power deposition is a dominant power loss mechanism for arc jets and MPD thrusters. In this study, a free burning arc experiment was operated at pressures and current densities similar to those in arc jets and MPD thrusters in an attempt to identify the physics controlling this loss mechanism. Use of a free burning arc allowed for the isolation of independent variables controlling anode power deposition and provided a convenient and flexible way to cover a broad range of currents, anode surface pressures, and applied magnetic field strengths and orientations using an argon gas. Test results showed that anode power deposition decreased with increasing anode surface pressure up to 6.7 Pa (0.05 torr) and then became insensitive to pressure. Anode power increased with increasing arc current while the electron number density near the anode surface increased linearity. Anode power also increased with increasing applied magnetic field strength due to an increasing anode fall voltage. Applied magnetic field orientation had an effect only at high currents and low anode surface pressures, where anode power decreased when applied field lines intercepted the anode surface. The results demonstrated that anode power deposition was dominated by the current carrying electrons and that the anode fall voltage was the largest contributor. Furthermore, the results showed that anode power deposition can be reduced by operating at increased anode pressures, reduced arc currents, and applied magnetic field strengths and with magnetic field lines intercepting the anode.
Document ID
19940020708
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Soulas, George C. (Ohio State Univ. Columbus, OH, United States)
Myers, Roger M. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Brook Park, OH., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:194442
IEPC-93-194
E-8303
NASA-CR-194442
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Seattle, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: September 13, 1993
End Date: September 16, 1993
Sponsors: AIAA, AIDAA, DGLR, and JSASS
Accession Number
94N25190
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS3-25266
PROJECT: RTOP 506-42-31
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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