V. K. Kharchevnikov

Measurements of a negative ion flux inplasma thruster tests in a vacuum chamber

The dynamics of negative ions created in the interaction of a plasma jet with a target is investigated experimentally. The experiments were carried out with a stationary plasma thruster. A multigrid probe was used to record negative ions.

Memory effect in stationary plasma thrusters of the SPD-MAG type

Experimental data on the working regime restoration (memory effect) after temporary switch-off in stationary plasma thrusters of the SPD-MAG type are presented. The character of changes in the parameters of thruster operation after switch-on depends on the initial regime and on the pause duration.

Experimental investigation of thrust-vector deviation in a plasma thruster

We have studied deviation of the thrust vector of a plasma thruster with the aid of a magnetic system arranged behind the thruster edge. The magnetic field generated by the system acted upon the directional motion of ions in the jet. The experiments were performed on a laboratory model of the α-100 stationary plasma thruster (SPT) with an output channel diameter of 100 mm and overall dimensions L = 70 mm and D = 200 mm. The results of measurements showed that, in the range of parameters studied, the angle of rotation of the output plasma jet exhibited a nearly linear dependence on the current in coils of the deviating magnetic system.