Liquid metal propellants may provide a path toward more reliable and efficient pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs). Conceptual thruster designs which eliminate the need for high current switches and propellant metering valves are described. Propellant loading techniques are suggested that show promise to increase thruster propellant utilization, dynamic, and electrical efficiency. Calibration results from a compact, electromagnetically-pumped propellant feed system are presented. Results for lithium and gallium propellants show capability to meter propellant at flow rates up to 10 +/- 0.1 mg/s. Experiments investigating the initiation of arc discharges using liquid metal droplets are presented. High speed photography and laser interferometry provide spatially and temporally resolved information on the decomposition of liquid metal droplets , and the evolution of the accelerating current channel.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Liquid-metal-fed Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for In-space Propulsion


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    JANNAF Propulsion Meeting ; 2004 ; Las Vegas, NV, United States


    Publication date :

    2004-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English