Using present technology as a starting point, performance predictions were made for large thrusters. The optimum beam diameter for maximum thruster efficiency was determined for a range of specific impulse. This optimum beam diameter varied greatly with specific impulse, from about 0.6 m at 3000 seconds (and below) to about 4 m at 10,000 seconds with argon, and from about 0.6 m at 2,000 seconds (and below) to about 12 m at 10,000 seconds with Xe. These beams sizes would require much larger thrusters than those presently available, but would offer substantial complexity and cost reductions for large electric propulsion systems.


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    Title :

    Large inert-gas thrusters


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Joint Propulsion Conference ; 1981 ; Colorado Springs, CO, US


    Publication date :

    1981-07-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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