Abstract
Experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate the effects of a bell-shaped contoured nozzle and modified cathode tip shape on 30-kWe-class ammonia arcjet engine performance. The experiments were conducted in a fully instrumented facility which included a thrust stand. The performance data for an arcjet with a bell-shaped nozzle were compared to the performance data of an arcjet that had a 38-deg included-angle, conical nozzle. Thrust improvements of up to 10% were demonstrated which corresponded to a 10% improvement in thrust efficiency and up to a 35-s increase in specific impulse. The modified cathode tip had a reduced diameter and more acute conical tip with respect to the baseline cathode design. A uniform 15% decrease in arc voltage was noted over a mass flow range of 0.175-0.350 g/s using the modified cathode. However, there was no change in the engine performance characteristics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
