小功率氮电弧推力器的性能

采用自然辐射冷却结构的小功率电弧推力器,实现了以氮气为推进剂的长时间稳定运行。采用间接测力方法得到推力,利用铜镜反射法拍摄喉道处的放电状态,结合测量的弧电压、弧电流和气流量数据以及导出的比冲和推力效率,对推力器运行性能和放电特性进行了研究。结果显示:在气流量为100~700mL/min,输入功率为35~55W的条件下,最大推力约为24mN,最大比冲接近175s,当弧电流为80~120mA范围内变化时,弧电压变化范围为420~520V,并且弧电压随气流量的增加呈现出先下降后上升的趋势。 

Performance of very low-power nitrogen arcjet thruster

Very low-power arcjet thrusters with natural-radiation-cooled nozzle can stably operate for a long period of time by using nitrogen as the propellant. Thrust was measured indirectly using impinging force method, the end-on photos of discharge status within the nozzle were taken through a 45° inclined copper mirror. Performance and discharge characteristics of the very low-power arcjet thruster were analyzed according to the experimental data of thrust, specific impulse, thrust efficiency, arc voltage and arc current. Results showed that the maximum thrust was up to 24mN and the maximum specific impulse was close to 175s, when the gas flow rate was within the range of 100-700mL/min and input power of 35-55W; with the increase of arc current from 80-120mA, the arc voltage varied from 420-520V, and the arc voltage showed the rising trend after falling with the increase of gas flow rate.