Studies of Non-Conventional Configuration Closed Electron Drift Thrusters

Raitses, Y. ; Staack, D. ; Smirnov, A. ; Litvak, A.A. ; Dorf, L.A. ; Graves, T. ; Fisch, and N.J.

Princeton University. Plasma Physics Laboratory.

关键词: Electrodes;    70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology;    Electron Drift;    Plasma Potential;    Thrusters;   

DOI  :  10.2172/788220
RP-ID  :  PPPL-3606
RP-ID  :  AC02-76CH03073
RP-ID  :  788220

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

In this paper, we review recent results obtained for segmented electrode and cylindrical Hall thrusters. A low sputtering graphite segmented electrode, placed at the exit of the annular thruster, is shown to affect the plasma potential distribution in the ceramic channel. This effect appears to be correlated with an observed plume reduction compared to a conventional, nonsegmented thruster. In preliminary experiments a 3-cm thruster was operated in the 50-200 W power range. Two operating regimes, stable and oscillating, were observed and investigated.