Vacuum current emission and initiation in an LaB6 hollow cathode

Praeger, Matthew, Daykin-Iliopoulos, Alexander and Gabriel, Stephen (2018) Vacuum current emission and initiation in an LaB6 hollow cathode. Space Propulsion 2018, Barcelo Renacimiento Hotel, Convention Center, Avenida Alvaro Alonso Barba, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Seville, Spain, Seville, Spain. 14 - 18 May 2018. 17 pp .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

This paper presents the first investigation of pre-ignition currents and the ignition process in an LaB₆ hollow cathode running on krypton propellant. Vacuum and pre-ignition currents are found to be consistent with space charge limited behaviour. A novel, low power ignition strategy with the potential to reduce insert and orifice erosion is also shown.

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Accepted/In Press date: 2018

Published date: 17 May 2018

Venue - Dates: Space Propulsion 2018, Barcelo Renacimiento Hotel, Convention Center, Avenida Alvaro Alonso Barba, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Seville, Spain, Seville, Spain, 2018-05-14 - 2018-05-18

Keywords: LaB6, krypton, pre-ignition current, hollow cathode.

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