publication . Article . 2011

Performance characterization of a helicon double layer thruster using direct thrust measurements

Christine Charles; Sabrina Pottinger; Roderick Boswell; Viaos Lappas;
Open Access English
  • Published: 16 May 2011
  • Publisher: HAL CCSD
Abstract
International audience; The performance of a Helicon Double Layer Thruster (HDLT) has been characterised using a pendulum type thrust stand and retarding field energy analyser. Data recorded for a fixed propellant flow rate of 16 sccm of krypton and fixed magnetic field topology show that the thrust generated increases linearly with increasing radio frequency input power over a range of 250 W to 650 W. Over the power range investigated thrust levels of approximately 1 to 2.8 mN were achieved. A maximum effective specific impulse of 280 s was determined using the thrust data. Ion energy distribution functions indicate that increasing power corresponds to improved...
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doi: 10.1088/0022-3727/44/23/235201
Subjects
free text keywords: Physical Sciences, Acoustics and Ultrasonics, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Surfaces, Coatings and Films, Condensed Matter Physics, Volumetric flow rate, Chemistry, Plasma, Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion, Radio frequency, Specific impulse, Computational physics, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Thrust, Propellant, Magnetic field
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18 references, page 1 of 2
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