Helicon Double Layer Thruster Performance Enhancement via Manipulation of Magnetic Topology
نویسندگان
چکیده
The thrust and plasma parameters generated by a Helicon Double Layer Thruster operating at a power level of 250 W with krypton propellant has been evaluated for peak magnetic field strengths of 0 to 270 G. Results show that the thrust levels achieved are dependent on the position of peak magnetic field in relation to the plasma source. Alignment of peak field strength with the plasma source exit produces higher thrust levels compared to identical test conditions where the location of peak field strength occurs near the rear of the plasma source. Thrust and plasma number density increases with increases field strength for the test conditions investigated. A maximum thrust of 4.0 ± 1.1 mN was measured for Bpeak = 150 G. Plasma parameters determined with the use of a non RF compensated Langmuir probe demonstrate number densities of the order of 10 m−3 in the thruster plume and corresponding electron temperatures of approximately 5 eV.
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