Time-Resolved Surface Temperature Measurement for Pulsed Ablative Thrusters

摘要

A time-resolved surface temperature diagnostic for ablation- controlled arcs is in development at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards AFB. The diagnostic draws on heritage from the experimental dynamic crack propagation community which has used photovoltaic infrared detectors to measure temperature rise in materials in the process of fracture. The microsecond time scales involved in the fracture process suggest that such detectors may be applicable to the ablation-controlled discharges in pulsed plasma thrusters as a direct measurement of surface temperature during and after the arc. HgCdTe detectors are evaluated for use on the surface of a micro-pulsed plasma thruster invented at the AFRL. Evaluation of the diagnostic focuses on application of the detector in the presence of a plasma and initial studies of calibration techniques. Initial data is reviewed with future studies planned for advancement of the technique including applications to other types of pulsed thrusters.