Characterization and Anomalous Diffusion Analysis of a 100W Low Power Annular Hall Effect Thruster
Abstract
A Busek 100 Watt low-power annular Hall effect thruster was characterized to determine the thrusters best operating parameter range and to study plasma oscillations within the thruster. The thrusters performance characteristics and parameters were evaluated at various nominal discharge voltages to determine the settings that optimize beam efficiency, divergence angle, and discharge loss. This was accomplished using a Faraday probe to determine the plumes current density profile. The thruster was also used to investigate the correlation between oscillating frequencies and thruster operation by observing the azimuthal current using time-synchronous high-speed imagery and an oscilloscope. The oscilloscope measured the discharge current and the high-speed camera measured the relative brightness across the channel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1073901
Entities
People
- Megan N Maikell
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology