The pulsed plasma thruster of the magnetoplasmadynamic type represents a promising and cheap solution to today’s propulsion challenges in space. The work presented in this paper covers new information on the electromagnetic conditions during thrust generation by revealing the temporal and spatial distributions of the current density vectors between the thruster electrodes. This is achieved by building and calibrating miniaturized induction probes. The local magnetic field components of all three spatial directions are combined to derive the current density vector. Quantitative determination of the temporal behavior of vectors at 27 points evenly distributed in three planes delivers a comprehensive picture of the position and development of the current in a pulsed plasma thruster. Maximum current densities of and magnetic flux densities of up to 0.82 T have been observed close to the surface of the solid Teflon® propellant. It is concluded that no distinct movement of a current sheet was observed. The current density data are discussed and compared to high-speed camera photographs.
Investigation of the Plasma Current Density of a Pulsed Plasma Thruster
Journal of Propulsion and Power ; 30 , 6 ; 1459-1470
2014-06-20
12 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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