Difference between revisions of "Arc jet"
Josh Cryer (talk | contribs) m (Reverted edit of RelgeTelta, changed back to last version by C M Edwards) |
Josh Cryer (talk | contribs) m (1 revision) |
(No difference)
| |
Latest revision as of 04:02, 21 January 2009
Intro
An arc jet is a type of thermal electric propulsion where the propellant is heated by an electrical arc. The propellant then expands and is exhausted though a magnetic nozzle. Because the fuel at its hottest point does not come in contact with any material surface it can reach much higher temperatures than many forms of thermal engines. However, since thermal motion is highly disordered (high entropy), this type of engine may not be as efficient electrically as other types of thermal engines. It also suffers from problems due to the corroding of electrodes. However, because it is a thermal engine it is usually a higher thrust type engine than other forms of electric propulsion.
Use of Arc Jets
Arc jets have been used in satellites to control their orbit.
