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Thrust production mechanisms in Hollow cathode microthrusters

Thrust production mechanisms in Hollow cathode microthrusters
Thrust production mechanisms in Hollow cathode microthrusters
Hollow cathode have recently been investigated at the University of Southampton as potential standalone microthrusters. 12Thrust measurements suggest that in some cases, hollow cathodes are able to generate specific impulse of over 1000s with xenon. The means by which hollow cathodes are able to generate such high levels of specific impulse is not clearly understood. This paper explores thrust production mechanisms in the T5, T6 and XIPS hollow cathodes based on thrust performance and ion energy measurements. Analysis suggests the total thrust produced includes components of gas dynamic thrust particularly as a result of an intense electron pressure at the cathode exit, but also shows evidence for magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) forces at high currents and low flow rates arising from the self-induced azimuthal magnetic field within the orifice and resulting cross-field interaction plasma. Data may also suggest ion acceleration due to plasma potential hills. While this initial characterization can only loosely attribute the relative magnitude each mechanism plays it does show evidence for each. This research shows that with further development based on an understanding of the thrust mechanism, hollow cathodes thrusters could present significant refinements to the technology of electric propulsion.
1-18
Grubisic, Angelo
94e5f6ea-9b65-4c81-bfa1-f0e29e8bbaf4
Gabriel, Stephen
ac76976d-74fd-40a0-808d-c9f68a38f259
Grubisic, Angelo
94e5f6ea-9b65-4c81-bfa1-f0e29e8bbaf4
Gabriel, Stephen
ac76976d-74fd-40a0-808d-c9f68a38f259

Grubisic, Angelo and Gabriel, Stephen (2010) Thrust production mechanisms in Hollow cathode microthrusters. IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, USA. 06 - 13 Mar 2010. pp. 1-18 . (doi:10.1109/AERO.2010.5446770).

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

Hollow cathode have recently been investigated at the University of Southampton as potential standalone microthrusters. 12Thrust measurements suggest that in some cases, hollow cathodes are able to generate specific impulse of over 1000s with xenon. The means by which hollow cathodes are able to generate such high levels of specific impulse is not clearly understood. This paper explores thrust production mechanisms in the T5, T6 and XIPS hollow cathodes based on thrust performance and ion energy measurements. Analysis suggests the total thrust produced includes components of gas dynamic thrust particularly as a result of an intense electron pressure at the cathode exit, but also shows evidence for magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) forces at high currents and low flow rates arising from the self-induced azimuthal magnetic field within the orifice and resulting cross-field interaction plasma. Data may also suggest ion acceleration due to plasma potential hills. While this initial characterization can only loosely attribute the relative magnitude each mechanism plays it does show evidence for each. This research shows that with further development based on an understanding of the thrust mechanism, hollow cathodes thrusters could present significant refinements to the technology of electric propulsion.

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Published date: 2010
Venue - Dates: IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, USA, 2010-03-06 - 2010-03-13
Organisations: Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics Group

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Local EPrints ID: 402464
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/402464
PURE UUID: da51d7de-d5b1-4698-a647-b76564b16db3

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Date deposited: 10 Nov 2016 12:04
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:18

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Author: Angelo Grubisic
Author: Stephen Gabriel

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