Advanced ion thruster research [microform] / Paul J. Wilbur ; prepared for Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Published by
Fort Collins, CO : Colorado State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering ; [Springfield, Va. : For sale by the National Technical Information Service, 1985]
A series of experiments conducted on a ring cusp magnetic field ion thruster; in which the anode, cathode and discharge chamber backplate were moved relative to the magnetic cusp; are described. Optimum locations for the anode, cathode and backplate which yield the lowest energy cost per plasma ion and highest extracted ion fraction are identified. The results are discussed in terms of simple physical models. The results of preliminary experiments into the operation of hollow cathodes on nitrogen and xenon over a large pressure range (0.1 to 100 Torr) are presented. They show that the cathode discharge transfers from the cathode insert to the exterior edge of the orifice plate as the interelectrode pressure is increased. Experimental evidence showing that a new ion extractor grid concept can be used to stabilize the plasma sheath at the screen grid is presented. This concept, identified by the term constrained sheath optics, is shown to hold ion beamlet divergence and impingement characteristics to stable values as the beamlet current and the net and total accelerating voltages are changed. The current status of a study of beamlet vectoring induced by displacing the accelerator and/or decelerator grids of a three grid ion extraction system relative to the screen grid is discussed.
Advanced ion thruster research [microform] / Paul J. Wilbur ; prepared for Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Imprint
Fort Collins, CO : Colorado State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering ; [Springfield, Va. : For sale by the National Technical Information Service, 1985]
Series
NASA CR ; 174862
NASA contractor report ; NASA CR-174862.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-58).
Type of report
Annual report; [1 Oct. 1983-1 Nov. 1984].
Reproduction
Microfiche. [Washington, D.C. : National Aeronautics and Space Administration]. 1985. 1 microfiche + negative.
Funding
NASA grant NGR-06-002-112
Added author
Lewis Research Center.
Colorado State University. Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Other form:
Online version: Wilbur, Paul J. Advanced ion thruster research. (OCoLC)708253122