Krypton-Powered Stationary Plasma Thrusters: the Results of Functioning Studies, Developments and Topical Problems

Aeronautical and Space-Rocket Engineering


Аuthors

Pichuzhkin I. A.*, Pridannikov S. Y., Bernikova M. Y.*, Rumyantsev А. V.**

Experimental Design Bureau “Fakel”, 181, Moskovsky av, Kaliningrad, 236001, Russia

*e-mail: info@fakel-russia.com
**e-mail: albert37@list.ru

Abstract

The article discusses scientific publications on the subject of krypton-powered stationary plasma thrusters (SPT). The purpose of the article consisted in systematizing and summarizing currently available research results of work processes in the krypton-powered SPTs, as well as the engineering developments. The article presents the data on the market position changes in recent years in the SPT traditional working substance, namely xenon. The high cost and low production volumes of xenon stimulate the search for alternative working substances. Krypton possesses a number of advantages as the replacement, such as lower cost, and physical characteristics rather close to xenon, which makes it a promising alternative to xenon. The authors analyzed krypton physical properties, and added general theoretical information about the SPT work processes. Special attention is paid to the magnetic field forming in the SPT discharge channel chamber, the processes of the working substance ionization and acceleration, as well as the process of the engines structural elements of the erosion, and demonstrated krypton physical properties effect on the flow of the processes. The article adduces the regularities and ways of the krypton-powered SPT efficiency increasing. The magnetic field topology is important for creating an optimally shaped workspace where magnetic induction reaches its maximum value. When SPT is working on krypton, as in xenon case, a violation of the equipotentials compliance of the of the electric field and magnetic field lines of force may occur, which leads to the magnetic focusing disturbance. An important factor is the difficulty of the ionization process in the SPT operating on krypton compared to the similar processes in xenon-powered stationary plasma engines. Ionization potential of Krypton is 14 eV versus 12.1 eV for xenon, a smaller ionization cross-section and atomic mass, which reduces the atoms conversion efficiency into ions. To compensate this disadvantage, the workflow may be organized at higher mass densities of the working fluid consumption. The authors emphasized the urgency of the thruster elements service life, since the increased erosion rate of the discharging chamber walls is being observed while working on krypton. Maximum dislocation of the acceleration zone from the discharging chamber by the magnetic shielding creation method is being employed for the corrosion minimization. The article considers the SPT developments of different power aimed at the the SPT adaptation to krypton application, the results of tests and achieved parameters, obtained both in Russian Federation and abroad. Actual trends for further work on the problem have been formulated.

Keywords:

stationary krypton plasma engine, SPT physical characteristics, structural elements erosion of the thrusters, ionization cross section

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