PLASMA ACCELERATOR CATHODE Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC H05H1/54 

FIELD: electro-reactive engines, namely, the class of (Hall, ionic) plasma accelerators, with cathodes utilized in their composition.

SUBSTANCE: plasma accelerator cathode comprises following main elements: igniter rod, emitter unit, heat unit with a spiral, positioned axial-symmetrically relatively to each other end rigidly engaged by one its end with supporting metal-ceramic unit. Each one of these main elements close to its other end has at least one connection to adjacent main element, while aforementioned connection is made moveable. The moveable connection may be made by positioning an electro-isolator between adjacent main elements of cathode. Electro-isolator is mounted with a gap relatively to at least one of adjacent main elements, while the value of the gap is much less compared to the diameter of electro-isolator which forms the gap. Additionally, each one of main elements of cathode may have at least one conically shaped part, positioned close to its place of connection with metal-ceramic unit. Also, in the heater unit at the part between junction of heater unit and supporting metal-ceramic unit and heater spiral, grooves may be made, reducing cross-section area of that part of heater unit, while on external side of heater unit the grooves are covered by thermal screen.

EFFECT: increased vibration hardness of cathode without reduction of thermal characteristics of cathode structure.

4 cl, 2 dwg