Correction thruster development based on high-current surface discharge in vacuum

This paper describes the effects of “runaway” electrons and the formation of an electron beam in a nanosecond surface discharge plasma at a pressure of Р≤10−2mm mercury column. The application of those effects enables the production of a positively charged plasma with a concentration of n≥1014cm−3 i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta astronautica 2015-04, Vol.109, p.177-181
Main Authors: Silnikov, M.V., Kulakov, K.S., Kulakov, S.L., Panov, D.V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chambers
Charging
Discharge
Discharge plasma
Electric discharges
Electric propulsion
Electric propulsion thruster
Electron beam
Electrostatics
Nano-second surface discharge
Nanostructure
Runaway electrons
Thrusters
Voltage and current amplitude
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Summary:This paper describes the effects of “runaway” electrons and the formation of an electron beam in a nanosecond surface discharge plasma at a pressure of Р≤10−2mm mercury column. The application of those effects enables the production of a positively charged plasma with a concentration of n≥1014cm−3 in the discharge chamber volume. Such positively charged plasma can be used in various systems of electric propulsion thrusters. An example of electrostatic EPT implementation that produces up-to-date specific characteristics was considered. •Nanosecond surface discharge is obtained accompanied by the «runaway» electron effect.•The electron beam focusing effect in the gas-discharge plasma was experimentally observed.•The effect allows for generation of positively charged plasma sources.
ISSN:0094-5765
1879-2030
DOI:10.1016/j.actaastro.2014.10.021