Continuous discharge in micro ablative pulsed plasma thrusters. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Zhiwen; Sun, Guorui
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 149(2018)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Micro ablative pulsed plasma thrusters -- Continuous discharge -- Discharge completion rate; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.05.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: The mechanism of continuous discharge in micro ablative pulsed plasma thrusters has always been ignored. A series of experiments on discharge completion rate were conducted, and theoretical analyses were performed to understand the results. These results showed that as initial voltage decreased to a certain value, a portion of energy was not released in a short time, which caused overall efficiency to greatly decrease. As the initial voltage decreased sequentially, this phenomenon occurred more frequently. This study provides a reference for high-frequency micro ablative pulsed plasma thrusters. Highlights: The mechanism of continuous discharge was investigated in μAPPTs. This incomplete discharge occurred more frequently at lower energy levels. A method for increasing discharge completion rate is recommended.