Microwave processes in the SPD-ATON stationary plasma thruster
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Microwave Processes in the SPD-ATON Stationary Plasma Thruster K. P. Kirdyashev Kotelnikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics (Fryazino Branch), Russian Academy of Sciences, pl. Vvedenskogo 1, Fryazino, Moscow oblast, 141190 Russia e-mail: [email protected] Received December 23, 2015
Abstract—Results of experimental studies of microwave processes accompanying plasma acceleration in the SPD-ATON stationary plasma thruster are presented. Specific features of the generation of microwave oscillations in both the acceleration channel and the plasma flow outgoing from the thruster are analyzed on the basis of local measurements of the spectra of the plasma wave fields. Mechanisms for generation of microwave oscillations are considered with allowance for the inhomogeneity of the electron density and magnetic field behind the edge of the acceleration channel. The effect of microwave oscillations on the electron transport and the formation of the discharge current in the acceleration channel is discussed. DOI: 10.1134/S1063780X16090051
1. INTRODUCTION At present, stationary plasma thrusters (SPTs) [1, 2] are one of the most developed types of electric propulsion engines used to correct and stabilize the orbits of geostationary communication satellites and solve problems of space transport. Theoretical and experimental studies of the processes of plasma acceleration in SPTs [3, 4] have revealed a wide range of instabilities resulting in the excitation of electromagnetic oscillations both inside and outside the generated plasma flows. Studies of these instabilities allow one to better understand mechanisms of plasma acceleration and the effect of oscillations on the efficiency of plasma thrusters. Of particular importance is to study oscillations related to specific features of the dynamics of the electron component during plasma acceleration. The parameters and dynamics of electrons in the SPT acceleration channel are the main factors governing the structure and stability of the electric field, the degree of ionization of the working substance, and the anomalous erosion of electrodes and channel walls. To a great extent, these factors determine the efficiency and resource of the thruster as a whole. It was established experimentally [5, 6] that the process of plasma acceleration in SPTs is accompanied by the excitation of intense microwave oscillations, the study of which makes it possible to better understand the dynamics of the electron plasma component and reveal the effect of microwave oscillations on the modes of plasma acceleration and formation of plasma flows. The practical importance of such studies is determined by the necessity to estimate the effect
of the electromagnetic fields generated by the SPT on the existing and projected microwave systems of space radio communication. At present, the theory of excitation of microwave oscillations in the SPT required to interpret the experimental results is still lacking. Such a theory should take into account a number of factors significant for
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