The Effects of Cathode Configuration on Hall Thruster Cluster Plume Properties (PREPRINT)

Abstract

Clusters of Hall thrusters may be used to produce electric propulsion systems capable of operating at power levels in excess of the current state of the art. One of the key factors to be considered in determining the optimum cluster architecture is the configuration of the electron-emitting cathode(s). This work presents experimentally determined plume properties and discharge current characteristics obtained with multiple thrusters coupled to a single cathode. Spatially resolved plasma density, electron temperature, and plasma potential data are presented during both single thruster and cluster operation. Measurements taken in this configuration are compared to previously published data obtained with each thruster coupled to its own independent cathode. Critical plasma parameters in the cluster plume are shown to be strongly influenced by the location of the hollow cathode.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 27, 2006
Accession Number
ADA456583

Entities

People

  • Alec D. Gallimore
  • Brian E. Beal
  • William A. Hargus

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electrons
  • Engineering
  • Engines
  • Flow Rate
  • Hall Effect
  • Hall Thrusters
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Mass Flow
  • Measurement
  • Mechatronic Engineering
  • Power Levels
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Propulsion
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Parallel and Distributed Computing.
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster