Fuel Selection for Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thrusters

摘要

An analysis of the cathodic arc literature has been carried out in order to assess the theoretical performance of PCAs as thrusters. Analysis shows that there are four distinct classes of elements when measured against the four performance metrics. If a mission is mass constrained, a designer should choose a light element (Mg, Ca, Al) or one of the lighter refractory elements (Cr, Ti, Mo). Missions with a tight power budget would benefit from a heavy nonrefractory cathode (Bi, Pb). Volume or component longevity constrained missions should employ a heavy refractory (Ta, W) or actinide element (U, Th) as the cathode material. Good all-around performing elements are Mg, Cr, Mo, Ta, W, Th, and U.