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High Emissivity Arcjet Thruster Anodes

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 20057
Amount: $375,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1994
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2257 South 1100 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dr. Jared Lee Sommer
 (801) 485-4994
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

High-power ammonia arcjet thrusters are being investigated as primary propulsion systems for carrying satellites into high altitude orbits. As a method to enhance the power levels and efficiency of the engine, the thermal emissivity of the outer anode surface must be substantially enhanced. Ideally, the anode material should be low density, both highly electrically and thermally conductive, and be chemically compatible with the reactive propulsion gases. The proposed research will investigate anode materials fabricated from directionally aligned carbon/carbon (C/C) composite. The inside surfaces of the plenum chamber, constrictor throat, and expansion nozzle will be coated with a layer of conductive tungsten metal to serve as the arc attachment surface and to protect the C/C composite surface will also ensure effective radiation of the heat flux generated by the arcjet plasma.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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