Design and Testing of a Gas Distribution Method for Pulsed Inductive Thrusters

Abstract

A gas distribution manifold for use in a Pulsed Inductive Thruster has been designed and tested. The Argon test gas is distributed radially outward over a flat disc from an enclosed manifold area. The manifold was designed to meet a specific gas distribution time of one milli-second. Initial design of the manifold is determined from isentropic gas distribution assumptions. The manufactured prototype is tested at a vacuum background pressure of two to three milli-Torr. Gas distribution time for the flow over a simulated Pulsed Inductive Thruster surface is measured with respect to the manifold’s exit using a modified form of Langmuir Probe. Error analysis for the measurement is provided. Measurement error range was less than 10% for all measurements.