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A Particle and Energy Balance Model of the Orificed Hollow CathodeA particle and energy balance model of orificed hollow cathodes was developed to assist in cathode design. The model presented here is an ensemble of original work by the author and previous work by others. The processes in the orifice region are considered to be one of the primary drivers in determining cathode performance, since the current density was greatest in this volume (up to 1.6 x 10(exp 8) A/m2). The orifice model contains comparatively few free parameters, and its results are used to bound the free parameters for the insert model. Next, the insert region model is presented. The sensitivity of the results to the free parameters is assessed, and variation of the free parameters in the orifice dominates the calculated power consumption and plasma properties. The model predictions are compared to data from a low-current orificed hollow cathode. The predicted power consumption exceeds the experimental results. Estimates of the plasma properties in the insert region overlap Langmuir probe data, and the predicted orifice plasma suggests the presence of one or more double layers. Finally, the model is used to examine the operation of higher current cathodes.
Document ID
20020090877
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Domonkos, Matthew T.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 2002
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Report/Patent Number
E-13609
AIAA Paper 2002-4240
NAS 1.15:211916
NASA/TM-2002-211916
Meeting Information
Meeting: 38th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Country: United States
Start Date: July 7, 2002
End Date: July 10, 2002
Sponsors: American Society for Electrical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 755-B4-04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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