Abstract This paper describes the effects of “runaway” electrons and the formation of an electron beam in a nanosecond surface discharge plasma at a pressure of Р≤10−2 mm mercury column. The application of those effects enables the production of a positively charged plasma with a concentration of n≥1014 cm−3 in the discharge chamber volume. Such positively charged plasma can be used in various systems of electric propulsion thrusters. An example of electrostatic EPT implementation that produces up-to-date specific characteristics was considered.
Highlights Nanosecond surface discharge is obtained accompanied by the «runaway» electron effect. The electron beam focusing effect in the gas-discharge plasma was experimentally observed. The effect allows for generation of positively charged plasma sources.
Correction thruster development based on high-current surface discharge in vacuum
Acta Astronautica ; 109 ; 177-181
2014-10-13
5 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Correction thruster development based on high-current surface discharge in vacuum
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