Effect of Anode Current Fluctuations on Ion Energy Distributions within a 600 W Hall Effect Thruster (Preprint)
Abstract
This work presents axial ion energy distribution measurements within the acceleration channel of the 600 W Busek Co. Inc. BHT-HD-600 laboratory Hall thruster derived from laser-induced fluorescence measurements of the 5d[4](sub 7/2) - 6p[3](sub 5/2) xenon ion excited state transition. Acceleration channel centerline ion energy distributions are measured for three closely related operating conditions which only differ in the magnitude of the radial magnetic field strength. These three operating conditions span a broad range of discharge current oscillations strength. The 0 to 200 kHz frequency domain is characterized, and the dominant 40 kHz to 50 kHz frequency appears most likely to be axially traveling ionization waves, commonly known as the breathing mode oscillations. These oscillations manifest themselves to the laser induced fluorescence diagnostic as clearly broadened ion energy distributions when the oscillation strength is high. We determine the spatial extent of the axial breathing mode oscillation nonintrusively. The coherence and magnitude of the discharge current oscillations are inversely proportional to acceleration channel radial magnetic strength.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 23, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA486027
Entities
People
- Bruce Pote
- Michael R. Nakles
- Rachel Tedrake
- William A. Hargus
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory