Electric Arc
An electric arc is a discharge of electricity that occurs when a current flows through a gas, usually air, between two conductive electrodes. In space and astronautical engineering, electric arcs are used for a variety of purposes, including welding, plasma thrusters, and as a means of generating heat and light. Electric arcs are also used in some types of electric propulsion systems, such as Hall thrusters and pulsed plasma thrusters. These systems use electric arcs to ionize a propellant, which is then accelerated by an electric field to produce thrust. Electric arcs can also be used to simulate the conditions of re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, allowing engineers to test the heat resistance of materials and components.
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