NASA Technical Reports Server (NASA) · 1996 · 58 citations · 0 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAerospace MaterialsCondition AssessmentPropulsionDevice ReliabilityEngine TestingEngine WearFailure AnalysisIon PropulsionSpacecraft TestDamage AccumulationEngine ReliabilityFailure MechanismsFailure ModesIon Thruster Performance AnalysisIon ThrustersWearWear Assessment
In a NASA program to validate 30 cm Xenon ion thruster technology for use in planetary missions a combination of analysis and testing is being used to establish engine reliability. Five long duration tests are planned to identify new failure mechanisms and characterize the parameters which drive known damage accumulation failure modes.