Thermal arc engine
The thermal arc engine ( TLT , English arcjet ) is an electric space drive .
function
An arc is formed between a cathode and an anode . The anode is usually designed as an entire nozzle chamber up to the outlet. The start of the arc is moved backwards as far as possible using a cold gas jacket. In between, the fuel flows, which is strongly heated by the arc (approx. 5000 K). The thrust is only generated by the thermal effect of the expansion and not by electric or magnetic fields (in contrast to magnetoplasmadynamic propulsion ). Arcjet engines are used to control satellites . Here, ammonia or hydrazine is typically used as a supporting mass . The use of hydrogen is planned for larger engines , as it can achieve a higher specific impulse . The term “fuel” is misleading in connection with electric engines, since the actual drive energy is electrical energy, which can be supplied by solar panels or a nuclear reactor , for example. The available thrust is low compared to chemical rocket engines and is typically in the millinewtons to newtons range. On the other hand, the running time is considerably longer and less "fuel" is required.
See also
further reading
- Monika Auweter-Kurtz: Arc drives for space tasks . BG Teubner, Stuttgart 1992, ISBN 978-3519061397 .