Lifetime arcjet thruster
US4907407A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/415
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An arcjet thruster has an anode body forming a constrictor and a nozzle which define an arc chamber. The thruster also has a cathode in the form of a rod having a tip and being spaced upstream from the constrictor. The thruster employs several features which reduce anode and cathode erosion and increase the operational life of the thruster. One set of features relate to the employment of cathode and anode shaping. Another feature relates to the use of a propellant injector having a series of radially and tangentially arranged passages for providing direct injection of propellant gas into the arc chamber and enhanced convective cooling of the anode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.