Analysis of energy balance in the discharge of SPT using results of Its integral parameters and plume characteristics measurements

Аuthors

, Sidorenko E. K.^*

Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), 4, Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, А-80, GSP-3, 125993, Russia

*e-mail: riame4@sokol.ru

Abstract

Results of the power flows analysis in the stationary plasma thruster (SPT) discharge are represented in the paper. Such analysis is interesting for experts dealing with researches of the SPT physics. Particularly it is interesting to understand peculiarities of the power flows change with change of thruster operation mode. It is difficult to realize direct measurement of power flows in the discharge chamber. Therefore the indirect methods of their estimation are subject of author’s interest. And some possible approaches to solve this task are presented in the paper. They are based on the complex analysis of the integral thruster parameters, local plasma parameters in the thruster accelerating channel and plume characteristics.

Keywords:

stationary plasma thruster, accelerating channel, plume, plasma, power flow, ion current.