High-power inductive electric propulsion operation with alternative propellants

This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign to measure thruster-relevant parameters for a high-power (180kW) inductive propulsion system utilising Ar, $ {\textrm{O}}_{2}$ , $ \textrm{N}_{2}$ , and $ \textrm{CO}_{2}$ as propellants. Results from the investigation show that inductive t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aeronautical journal 2020-02, Vol.124 (1272), p.151-169
Main Authors: Chadwick, A. R., Dally, B., Herdrich, G., Kim, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceleration
Argon
Chemical properties
Efficiency
Electric propulsion
Electromagnetism
Organic chemistry
Performance enhancement
Propellants
Propulsion systems
Solar system
Specific impulse
Thrusters
Velocity
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Summary:This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign to measure thruster-relevant parameters for a high-power (180kW) inductive propulsion system utilising Ar, $ {\textrm{O}}_{2}$ , $ \textrm{N}_{2}$ , and $ \textrm{CO}_{2}$ as propellants. Results from the investigation show that inductive thrusters can make use of these propellants without the severe degradation seen in other electric propulsion systems. Furthermore, the collection of experimental data at powers greater than 100kW provides a reference of performance for the high-power electric propulsion devices intended for missions in the near future. Thrust and specific impulse in inductive systems can be improved by preferentially combining the chemical properties of atomic and molecular propellants. The maximum thrust recorded during these experiments was 7.9N, obtained using a combination of argon and oxygen (0.68 Ar + 0.32 $\textrm{O}_{2}$ ). The combination of argon and molecular propellants also decreased thermal losses within the discharge volume. Specific impulse can be doubled for the same input electric power by combining propellants, and future modifications to the thruster geometry and acceleration mechanism can be used to further improve the performance of such systems.
ISSN:0001-9240
2059-6464
DOI:10.1017/aer.2019.141