Influence of Electrode Shape on Performance of Pulsed Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster SIMP-LEX

Review of Pulsed Plasma Thruster Development at IRS

“…The results found 4,6) showed major tendencies that yielded conclusions about a subsequent model. In general, a decrease in mean exhaust velocity is noticed with greater values of h. For higher energies, however, the exhaust velocity decreases less, and can even turn into an increase.…”

“…Based on other findings 11) , these variations include the length and width of the electrodes as well as the gap between them, and the applied capacitor voltage 4,6) . Further, the electrodes were changed in shape, i.e., flared and tongue shaped electrodes were used with expectations of an increase in performance.…”

“…The PPT SIMP-LEX, which was used in the experiments, is a pulsed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster of about 40 x 25 x 10 cm 3 consisting of four capacitors with a total capacitance of 35 µF 6) . The capacitor voltage varies between 1500 and 2000 V so that the total energy of the capacitor bank has a range of 40 to 70 J.…”

“…Combining both effects of flared and tongue-shaped electrodes yielded an increase in thrust efficiency by nearly 35% and in exhaust velocity of nearly 20% 6) . An optimum configuration for the thruster's electrodes was concluded regarding the highest mean exhaust velocity of the plasma plume and the highest thrust efficiency 4,6) .…”

“…An optimum configuration for the thruster's electrodes was concluded regarding the highest mean exhaust velocity of the plasma plume and the highest thrust efficiency 4,6) . Thus, respecting the Tsiolkovsky equation, the propellant needed is reduced and the satellite may be equipped with more scientific hardware.…”