Effects of Cathode Configuration on Hall Thruster Cluster Plume Properties
نویسندگان
چکیده
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 withmultiple thrusters coupled to a single cathode. Spatially resolved plasma density, electron temperature, andplasma potential data are presented during both singlethruster and cluster operation. Measurements taken in this configuration are compared with 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.
منابع مشابه
The Effects of Cathode Configuration on Hall Thruster Cluster Plume Properties
Clusters of Hall thrusters are being considered for use on a variety of missions requiring 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 p...
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