AbstractThe influence of gas flow, current level, and different shapes of anode on the oscillation amplitude and the characteristics of the hollow cathode discharge were investigated. The average plasma potential, temporal measurements of plasma potential, ion density, the electron temperature, as well as waveforms of plasma potential for test conditions were measured. At the same time, the time-resolved images of the plasma plume were also recorded. The results show that the potential oscillations appear at high discharge current or low flow rate. The potential oscillation boundaries, the position of maximum amplitude of plasma potential, and the position where the highest ion density was observed, were found. Both of the positions are affected by different shapes of anode configurations. This high amplitude of potential oscillations is ionization-like instabilities. The xenon ions ionized in space was analyzed for the fast potential rise and spatial dissipation of the space xenon ions was the reason for the gradual potential delay.
HighlightsThe high amplitude of potential oscillations appears near the hollow cathode.The typical plasma potential oscillations show a rapidly rise, but a slow decrease.The potential oscillation boundaries under two types of anodes were found.The previous method to filter the cathode by using planar anode may not be appropriate.The plasma images are recorded by high-speed camera to observe luminescence changes.
The analysis of high amplitude of potential oscillations near the hollow cathode of ion thruster
Acta Astronautica ; 134 ; 265-277
2017-02-11
13 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
The analysis of high amplitude of potential oscillations near the hollow cathode of ion thruster
Online Contents | 2017
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