Optimization of Cylindrical Hall Thrusters
Authors: Yevgeny Raitses, Artem Smirnov, Erik Granstedt, and Nathaniel J. Fisch
Abstract:
The cylindrical Hall thruster features high ionization efficiency, quiet operation, and ion acceleration in a large volume-to-surface ratio channel with performance comparable with the state-of-the-art annular Hall thrusters. These characteristics were demonstrated in low and medium power ranges. Optimization of miniaturized cylindrical thrusters led to performance improvements in the 50-200W input power range, including plume narrowing, increased thruster efficiency, reliable discharge initiation, and stable operation.
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Presented at the 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, 8-11 July 2007, Cincinnati, OH.
Submitted to Propulsion and Power.
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Download PPPL-4256 Preprint (July 2007) (pdf 1 MB)