Thermal Impact on the Performance of Highly Efficient Multi-stage Depressed Collector for Space TWT

Abstract

In a travelling wave tube, much of the waste power is dumped into the collector. If the waste heat is not properly managed, it might pose a serious problem causing even failure of tube. In this paper, the optimal choice of thermal management of a highly efficient multistage depressed collector designed for a space TWT has been made based on several criteria. The structural deformations and stresses developed due to thermal impact have been evaluated. The influence of thermal deformations on the collector electrical performance and high voltage withstanding capability has been studied during hot condition.