Precision manifold for an ion thruster using characterized flow restrictors
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorsTimothy G. Gray, Gabriel F. Benavides
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Abstract
Precision flow restrictors and techniques for manufacturing the same for ion thruster manifolds are disclosed. Flow restricting features are moved out of the manifold base and into separate flow restrictors, allowing a wider range of manufacturing techniques and materials to be applied. Quality control can be performed at the level of the flow restrictors as subcomponents, ensuring that only good parts with ideal flow characteristics make it into the final assembly and improving the yield rate of the final manifold assembly.
Claims15
An apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of flow restricting elements configured to restrict a flow of a propellant;
- and
- a manifold base comprising a plurality of holes, each flow restricting element of the plurality of flow restricting elements located in a respective hole of the plurality of holes, wherein the plurality of flow restricting elements are separate subcomponents from the manifold base;
- and
- a propellant delivery tube comprising an end that enters the manifold base and is configured to deliver the propellant thereto, wherein
- a gas-dynamic flow restriction characteristic of each flow restricting element of the plurality of flow restricting elements is based on a proximity of the respective flow restricting element of the plurality of flow restricting elements to the end.
A manifold assembly for an ion thruster, comprising:
- a plurality of flow restricting elements configured to restrict a flow of a propellant;
- a manifold base comprising a plurality of holes, each flow restricting element of the plurality of flow restricting elements located in a respective hole of the plurality of holes;
- and
- a propellant delivery tube comprising an end that enters the manifold base and is configured to deliver the propellant thereto, wherein
- the plurality of flow restricting elements are separate subcomponents from the manifold base, and
- a gas-dynamic flow restriction characteristic of each flow restricting element of the plurality of flow restricting elements is based on a proximity of the respective flow restricting element of the plurality of flow restricting elements to the end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.