Arcjet thrusters are crucial in modern space propulsion systems, often used in satellite propulsion, attitude control systems and interplanetary missions. These thrusters use electric power to ionize and accelerate gasses and produce thrust. Tungsten copper is one of the best and preferred materials in the construction of arcjet thrusters. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using tungsten copper in arcjet thrusters and why it is favoured in space crafts.
What is Tungsten Copper?
Tungsten copper has high melting point and hardness, is one of the most dense metals and copper imparts excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. The properties of tungsten copper are obtained by the mixture of two metals and they are high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and mechanical strength and they are suitable for high performance applications like arcjet thrusters.
The tungsten content in the alloy typically ranges from 70% to 95%, with the remaining portion being copper. This composition allows tungsten copper to maintain its structural integrity in extreme heat while offering superior heat dissipation and electrical properties.
Benefits of Tungsten Copper in Arcjet Thrusters
High Thermal Conductivity
One of the most significant benefits of tungsten copper in arcjet thrusters is its outstanding thermal conductivity. Arcjet thrusters operate at extremely high temperatures and the heat generated during ionization and acceleration of gases can quickly damage components.
High Melting Point and Durability
An arc jet thruster operating at high temperatures exposes the material to thermal stresses. The fact that tungsten copper can withstand these conditions without degrading is important in determining the thruster’s efficiency and longevity. The thruster operates for long durations without requiring frequent service or replacement of a component.
Superior Electrical Conductivity
Due to its copper content, tungsten copper has improved electrical conductivity, essential to an arc jet thruster. Arcjet thruster is required to generate an electric arc to ionize gases for generating thrust force. Because of copper’s strong electrical conductivity, the required currents are delivered through the thruster to improve the thruster’s performance.
Wear Resistance
The combination of tungsten’s hardness and copper’s ductility can withstand the mechanical wear and tear experienced in the high-speed environment of space propulsion systems. This is highly relevant for arc jet thrusters, which are applicable to situations where plasma and ionized gases are passing through them continuously and thus subject to constant wear.
Lightweight for Space Applications
While tungsten is heavy, the addition of copper makes tungsten copper alloys significantly lighter than pure tungsten, which is essential for spacecraft design. Space missions demand lightweight materials to optimise fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Tungsten copper’s balanced composition ensures excellent performance without adding weight to thruster components.
Conclusion
Tungsten copper is a vital material in the design and construction of arcjet thrusters due to its unique combination of high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, durability and wear resistance. The ability to withstand extreme temperatures and stress makes it an excellent choice for space propulsion systems, providing dependable and efficient performance. As space technology advances, leading tungsten copper sheet suppliers provide this critical material for producing cutting-edge space technologies that are required for system advancement.
