A SPACE-CHARGE-SHEATH ELECTRIC THRUSTOR.
Abstract
A new scheme for generating cesium ion beams of potential applicability to electric propulsion is discussed. The method consists of accelerating cesium, which has been ionized on the surface of a porous tungsten plug, in the space charge sheath located between the ionizer and a plasma filled region. The flow of the plasma electrons to the ionizer is inhibited by a magnetic field which is parallel to the ionizer surface. The device resembles in some respects the so-called Hall current accelerators investigated by others. However, whereas the acceleration of the ions in these devices takes place in the interior of a quasi-neutral plasma, in the device considered here the ions are accelerated in a space charge region. In contrast to cesium ion engines, no accelerating or focusing electrodes are used, since there function is taken over by the plasma. Potential advantages for space propulsion include very high perveance for each thrustor module and the possibility of a further reduction of erosion from ion sputtering. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0807256
Entities
People
- Rudolf X. Meyer
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation