A new coaxial pulsed plasma thruster （PPT） laboratory model is designed and employed in this study. A Teflon sleeve is connected with the anode, which is shaped as a nozzle, and a cathode is mounted in the cavity of...A new coaxial pulsed plasma thruster （PPT） laboratory model is designed and employed in this study. A Teflon sleeve is connected with the anode, which is shaped as a nozzle, and a cathode is mounted in the cavity of the Teflon sleeve and kept in close contact with it. A thread is then designed in the internal surface of the Teflon sleeve, and because of the strong field strength of the cathode triple junction （CTJ）, vacuum flashover occurs and a plasma jet is acquired behind the anode. The electric field distribution of the designed coaxial PPT laboratory model is simulated by MAXWELL 3D simulation software, and the plasma density and thrust are measured by a Langnmir probe and a piezoelectric thin-film sensor, respectively. Through a series of comparative experiments, we discuss the impact of optimal designs, such as the thread and the nozzle-shaped anode, on the discharge characteristics of the coaxial PPT. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the designed coaxial PPT laboratory model presents better discharge characteristics in view of its higher plasma density and greater thrust.展开更多
At present,spark plugs are used to trigger discharge in pulsed plasma thrusters（PPT）,which are known to be life-limiting components due to plasma corrosion and carbon deposition.A strong electric field could be form...At present,spark plugs are used to trigger discharge in pulsed plasma thrusters（PPT）,which are known to be life-limiting components due to plasma corrosion and carbon deposition.A strong electric field could be formed in a cathode triple junction（CTJ） to achieve a trigger function under vacuum conditions.We propose an induction-triggered electrode structure on the basis of the CTJ trigger principle.The induction-triggered electrode structure could increase the electric field strength of the CTJ without changing the voltage between electrodes,contributing to a reduction in the electrode breakdown voltage.Additionally,it can maintain the plasma generation effect when the breakdown voltage is reduced in the discharge experiments.The induction-triggered electrode structure could ensure an effective trigger when the ablation distance of Teflon increases,and the magnetic field produced by the discharge current could further improve the plasma density and propagation velocity.The induction-triggered coaxial PPT we propose has a simplified trigger structure,and it is an effective attempt to optimize the micro-satellite thruster.展开更多
文摘A new coaxial pulsed plasma thruster （PPT） laboratory model is designed and employed in this study. A Teflon sleeve is connected with the anode, which is shaped as a nozzle, and a cathode is mounted in the cavity of the Teflon sleeve and kept in close contact with it. A thread is then designed in the internal surface of the Teflon sleeve, and because of the strong field strength of the cathode triple junction （CTJ）, vacuum flashover occurs and a plasma jet is acquired behind the anode. The electric field distribution of the designed coaxial PPT laboratory model is simulated by MAXWELL 3D simulation software, and the plasma density and thrust are measured by a Langnmir probe and a piezoelectric thin-film sensor, respectively. Through a series of comparative experiments, we discuss the impact of optimal designs, such as the thread and the nozzle-shaped anode, on the discharge characteristics of the coaxial PPT. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the designed coaxial PPT laboratory model presents better discharge characteristics in view of its higher plasma density and greater thrust.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51577011)the Graduate Innovation Project of Beijing Jiaotong University(No.2016YJS147) for the financial support of this work
文摘At present,spark plugs are used to trigger discharge in pulsed plasma thrusters（PPT）,which are known to be life-limiting components due to plasma corrosion and carbon deposition.A strong electric field could be formed in a cathode triple junction（CTJ） to achieve a trigger function under vacuum conditions.We propose an induction-triggered electrode structure on the basis of the CTJ trigger principle.The induction-triggered electrode structure could increase the electric field strength of the CTJ without changing the voltage between electrodes,contributing to a reduction in the electrode breakdown voltage.Additionally,it can maintain the plasma generation effect when the breakdown voltage is reduced in the discharge experiments.The induction-triggered electrode structure could ensure an effective trigger when the ablation distance of Teflon increases,and the magnetic field produced by the discharge current could further improve the plasma density and propagation velocity.The induction-triggered coaxial PPT we propose has a simplified trigger structure,and it is an effective attempt to optimize the micro-satellite thruster.
