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.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Field emission electric propulsion: emission site distribution of slit emitters


    Additional title:

    Feldionenemissionstriebwerk: Die seitliche Emissionsverteilung bei einem schlitzfoermigen Emittenten


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1987


    Size :

    6 Seiten, 13 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    ESA Field Emission Electric Propulsion Program

    W. Berry / W. R. Burke | NTIS | 1985


    Minimum emission current of indium-field emission electric propulsion thruster

    Junyi, Duan / Xiaoming, Kang / Wansheng, Zhao | Emerald Group Publishing | 2010


    The ESA field emission electric propulsion programme

    Berry, W. / European Space Agency | TIBKAT | 1985



    Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) Attitude Control Capabilities

    D. Valentian / J. P. Bugeat / C. Bartoli et al. | NTIS | 1988