Work

Side feeding mechanism for micro cathode arc thruster

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The primary focus of this work is to characterize a micro-cathode arc thruster with a propellant feeding mechanism to extend its lifetime. To that end, we have proposed a side-feeding micro-cathode arc thruster. The thruster’s in-built feeding mechanism allows the cathode to be consumed during operation, providing a continuous supply of propellant. The ion-to-arc current fraction of about 0.025 was detected, and an initial pulse count of 1.34 M was achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the feeding mechanism. An average erosion rate of 4 µg/C was measured, and a total change in cathode length of 10 mm indicates the successful implementation of the spring-loaded side feeding mechanism.

Source: Journal of Electric Propulsion

DOI: 10.1007/s44205-025-00116-2

Authors: Guru Sankar Duppada, Anmol Taploo, Vikas Soni, Adam Karp, Jake Spinelli, Michael Keidar

Institution: George Washington University

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Diagnostics and Applications

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,490

Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research