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High-Temperature Arcjet Insulators

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 20058
Amount: $49,764.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1993
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2421 West Pratt Blvd., M/s 445
Chicago, IL 60645
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Richard Badke
 (312) 509-8095
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

An important component of arcjet thrusters is the insulator holding the cathode base and separating the electrodes. The current baseline material is Boron Nitride (BN), which is well known for its high electrical resistivity and high thermal conductivity. However, at arcjet operating temperatures, BN has a dramatic increase in electrical conductivity and a decrease in thermal conductivity. Additionally, the vapor pressure of BN becomes appreciable above 2000C. A new composite insulating material will be investigated in the proposed program. This material will have a tailorable thermal conductivity, low vapor pressure and high electrical resistivity with an operating range up to 3100C.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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