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A Methane Arcjet Development

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
20054 		Program Year/Program:
1994 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
20054 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Busek Co. Inc.
11 Tech Circle Natick, MA -
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 1994
Title: A Methane Arcjet Development
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: N/A
Award Amount: $375,000.00
 

Abstract:

A methane (CH4) electrothermal arcjet holds the potential of increased performance and longer lifetime than traditional ammonia or hydrazine arcjets. The potential drawback of CH4 arcjet is formation of soot that could cause spacecraft contamination and decreased performance. In the Phase I program we will determine the extent of soot formation and explore ways to reduce it. This will be done by testing four nozzle/anode geometries in a 2kW methane arcjet. The plasma expansion rate and nozzle temperature distribution are the major test parmeters. Following the parametric tests, an eight hour duration test will be conducted with a selected anode geometry at a selected operating condition. Additionally, we will construct and test a new cathode that has the potential for unlimited lifetime and reduced cathode voltage drops, which is based on previous work with CH4 plasmas. The experimental program will be supported by concurrent numerical analysis of soot formation. This work will be performed by a subcontractor - Aerodyne Research, Inc.

Principal Investigator:

V. J. Hruby
6174499255

Business Contact:

Small Business Information at Submission:

Busek Co., Inc.
19 Kearney Road Needham, MA 02194

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No