Construction of a High Performance Resistojet for Satellite Propulsion.

摘要

The fabrication and assembly of a 3 kW resistojet thruster employing hydrogen as a propellant are described with particular reference to the materials problems involved. Rhenium has been selected as the most suitable material for the concentric tubular heat exchanger which must operate at temperatures up to 2500 K in flowing hydrogen for a minimum period of 2000 hours, with temperature cycling. Because of the complex geometry and close tolerances required, thin walled rhenium tubes were made by a chemical vapour deposition technique. Rhenium parts were joined by electron beam welding. (Author)