Neutron Imaging Investigation of AM Tungsten Nozzles for an Arcjet Deorbit System

The Institute of Space Systems is currently developing a deorbit module based on thermal arcjet technology to allow fast orbit decay at end-of-life with a focus on mega constellation satellites. By employing additive manufacturing with tungsten, improved nozzle geometries can lead to a gain in overall performance. However, reproducibility is an ongoing concern for additive manufactured parts. Together with the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) and the Budapest Neutron Centre of the Centre for Energy Research, a study was conducted scanning additively manufactured arcjet nozzles prior and after standardized operation via neutron computer tomography. The results show a drop in performance over time, which can be related to an increased constrictor diameter and residual powder in the cooling channels.