PPT Research at AFRL: Material Probes to Measure the Magnetic Field Distribution in a Pulsed Plasma Thruster
Abstract
The focus of the PPT basic research program at AFRL has now shifted to understanding the sources of the low energy efficiency. Based on previous research modifications such as changing the electrode geometry, discharge frequency, and discharge energy may all result in moderate increases to the energy efficiency. What is required from a basic research standpoint is a diagnostic capability that can acquire information with sufficient accuracy to enable PPT designers to understand why certain influences increase performance - and then design PPTs which maximize these effects. To model a fluid description of the PPT plasma, the critical measurements are magnetic field and density. Temperature, composition and charge state also become critical as the models become more detailed. This paper describes a magnetic field probe array used at AFRL to map the magnetic fields in a laboratory model PPT. The paper focuses on determining to what extent the probe perturbs the plasma, the measurement limitations. Also discussed are options towards making this critical measurement with increased accuracy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA408109
Entities
People
- Greg Spanjers
- R. A. Spores
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory