Results from the extended life test of the Deep Space One flight spare ion engine show that enlargement of the discharge cathode assembly orifice due to erosion of the orifice by ion bombardment limits the throughput of the ion thruster, and therefore limits its operational lifetime to approximately three years. Future deep-space missions will require significantly longer operational lifetime, ...

Research has shown that oscillatory or modulated flows can achieve a significant increase in heat transfer relative to the corresponding steady flow, providing that critical or threshold amplitude is achieved. The threshold condition is associated with the production of near-surface turbulence by the oscillatory motion. A similar process is hypothesized as a mechanism of highamplitude acoustic ...

Future reusable launch vehicles will depend on new propulsion technologies to lower system operational costs while maintaining adequate performance. Recently, a number of vehicle systems utilizing rocket-based combinedcycle (RBCC) propulsion have been proposed as possible low-cost space launch solutions. Vehicles using RBCC propulsion have the potential to combine the best aspects of airbreathi...

This paper studies the propellant and levitation forces of a prototype maglev system where the propellant forces are provided by a linear motor system. For this purpose, the mathematical model and method using finite element method coupled to external circuit model is developed. The details of the propellant and levitation forces for a prototype maglev system under different operating condition...

The goal of the EU Horizon2020 project Rheform is the replacement of hydrazine with liquid propellants based on ammonium dinitramide (ADN) for orbital and launcher propulsion systems. Hydrazine and its derivatives are the standard propellants for spacecraft propulsion system since the 1960s, but they are highly toxic and carcinogenic. New regulations will lead to restriction of their use in the...

The “Project Orion” small fission bomb propulsion concept proposed the one-stage launching of large payloads into low earth orbit, but it was abandoned because of the radioactive fallout into the earth atmosphere. The idea is here revived by the replacement of the small fission bombs with pure deuterium-tritium fusion bombs, and the pusher plate of the Project Orion with a large magnetic mirror...

Sloshing refers to the free surface motion of a fluid in a container. We study the linearized sloshing problem of an incompressible, inviscid, irrotational fluid in a container, where we focus on the regime where the effect of surface tension dominates the effect of gravity. This is especially important in the microgravity environment, where scientists and engineers have worked to improve our u...

Petersen, P., Bredahl, E., Lauritsen, O., and Laursen, T. (1970). Brit. J. industr. Med., 27, 141-146. Examination of the liver in personnel working with liquid rocket propellants. Personnel working with liquid rocket propellants were subjected to routine health examinations, including liver function tests, as the propellant, unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) is potentially toxic to the li...

The “Advanced Propellant/Additive Development for Gas Generator” project is a collaborative effort between General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) and the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The objectives of this NGP project are to develop new highly efficient, environmentally acceptable, chemically active fire suppressant capabilities based upon solid propellan...