Realization of electron transpiration cooling: LaB6 heated by a plasma glow

Abstract

Electron transpiration cooling has previously been predicted to be an alternative cooling mechanism for leading edges of aerospace platforms traveling at extreme velocities, where thermoelectric materials shaped as leading edges manage heat loads. Here, thermo-electron emitting LaB6 ceramics with blunt edges were placed between two conical-shaped electrodes, and a plasma glow was ignited to heat the sample. Analysis of current–voltage (I–V) curves demonstrated that insertion of LaB6 into the plasma column resulted in an increase in the electron density of the plasma, evidencing thermally stimulated electron emission. With increasing sample temperature to 1200 K, Δne increased by ∼4 × 1010 #/cm3, the electron temperature (Te) decreased from ∼8 eV (1000 K) to 2.5 eV, and the emission begins to appear to become space charge-limited. Richardson's analysis of the temperature dependence of the electron emission in the region of ion saturation, yielded an activation energy consistent with the work function of LaB6. Modulation of the LaB6 surface temperature (ΔT = 10 K) and the plasma current (ΔI = 70 μA) under electric voltage (80 V) applied between the sample and current probe was demonstrated. The results show for the first time the feasibility of electron transpiration cooling effects under plasma conditions similar to that of aerothermal environments.