Abstract A high speed charged coupled device (CCD) camera was used to examine the plume features over time when the cathode was located inside and outside the magnetic separatrix. Due to the different positions of the cathode, there are obvious differences in the electron impact excitation process, the characteristics of the plasma bridge, and the transition process from the end of ignition to the steady-state discharge process. The main reason for these differences may be due to the different conduction paths followed by emitted electrons into the acceleration channel. The CCD images method can be used as a technique to characterize the ignition process of Hall thruster.
Highlights Images of HET ignition with cathode inside and outside magnetic separatrix is studied. The CCD images of Hall thruster ignition under two different structures are given. The ignition of Hall thruster affected by position of cathode and magnetic separatrix. The change of cathode position related to different conduction paths of electrons.
Study on electrons conduction paths in Hall thruster ignition processes with the cathode located inside and outside the magnetic separatrix
Acta Astronautica ; 155 ; 153-159
2018-11-20
7 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Hall thruster-cathode coupling
AIAA | 1999
|Flight hollow cathode for Hall thruster applications
AIAA | 1998
|