This paper aims to provide an overview of current and historical arcjet development. The reviewed arcjets are considered with respect to both design and thruster relevant parameters. Correspondingly, the paper enables the identification of adequate design criteria and of the probable thruster parameters.

    Design/methodology/approach

    The approach consists of a database for thruster relevant parameters in conjunction with relevant operational requirements (such as type of propellant) and specific design criteria (such as e.g. propellant injection systems).

    Findings

    The synopsis of both operational parameter and respectively assigned design allows for the derivation of development approaches for arcjets under given high level requirements such as power regime.

    Research limitations/implications

    The paper is a general review. However, its strength is in the synthesis of the arcjet classification, the functional evidence of design criteria and the application scenario.

    Practical implications

    Not only basic but also specific design criteria are analyzed and evaluated leading to a recommendation feature of the paper with respect to the overall design of adequate arcjets.

    Social implications

    Within the scope of the Clean Space initiative, new applications and scenarios from the operation of arcjets arise enabling EOL phases of spacecraft that fulfill respective levels of debris mitigation and, in addition, the requirements concerning the adequately adapted re-entry of spacecrafts that are at end of life.

    Originality/value

    The paper is a general review. However, its strength is in the synthesis of the arcjet classification, the functional evidence of design criteria and the application scenario.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Overview of thermal arcjet thruster development


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2018-03-05


    Size :

    22 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Arcjet thruster development

    Auweter-Kurtz, M. / Glocker, B. / Goelz, T. et al. | AIAA | 1996


    Arcjet Thruster Development

    Auweter-Kurtz, M. | Online Contents | 1996



    Medium power arcjet thruster experiments

    GLOCKER, BERND / AUWETER-KURTZ, MONIKA / GOELZ, THOMAS et al. | AIAA | 1990


    Overview of Arcjet Thruster Research at the University of Illinois

    Burton, R. L. / Krier, H. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996