Thrust measurements of a waveguide electron cyclotron resonance thruster Articles uri icon

publication date

  • March 2024

start page

  • 093304-1

end page

  • 093304-15

issue

  • 9

volume

  • 135

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0021-8979

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1089-7550

abstract

  • Direct thrust measurements are performed on a circular waveguide electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) thruster working at 5.8 GHz using a
    pendulum thrust balance with mechanically amplified displacement. Thrust levels between 1 and 3.5 mN are found for power levels in the
    range of 60–350 W and xenon flow rate between 2 and 8 SCCM. A maximum thrust efficiency of 3.5% is reached at 2 SCCM and 60 W.
    Plasma plume diagnostics are used to estimate the thruster partial efficiencies to understand the main losses, and to perform a comparative analysis between directly and indirectly measured thrust. Results suggest that the low energy conversion efficiency and propellant utilization
    efficiency (, 6:4% and < 53%, respectively) are the key factors spoiling the ECR thruster performance. Finally, retarding potential analyzer easurements show the presence of energetic electrons with energy tail up to about 300 eV.

subjects

  • Aeronautics