Research work on a slit-type field ion thruster for electric space propulsion is reported and discussed. Liquid-metal ion sources are used. A slit emitter with a closed propellant supply system was fired in any optional direction, requiring in principle no gravitational forces. Quantitative data relating the constituents of the residual gas atmosphere to the wetting behavior of the liquid-metal propellant and the emission-site distribution were obtained. A homogeneous distribution of equally space emission sites was observed; the measured spacing is in good agreement with a simple hydrostatic model of wavelike instabilities on electrically stressed surfaces of fluids.
Field emission electric propulsion: emission site distribution of slit emitters
Feldionenemissionstriebwerk: Die seitliche Emissionsverteilung bei einem schlitzfoermigen Emittenten
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science ; PS-15 , 5 ; 593-598
1987
6 Seiten, 13 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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