An investigation of electron dynamics after output section of flash chamber for a stationary plasma engine

Аuthors

Kozlov V. I.

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

Abstract

An investigation is carried out to study an electron dynamics in a decaying magnetic field after the exit plane of a stationary plasma thruster (SPT). Processes of electron transfer from the SPT near-cathode area to its discharge chamber are taken into consideration. According to results obtained «abnormal» electron transfer after the SPT exit plane is stipulated with interaction between a current of electron gradient drift and the magnetic field. This interaction has the Hall effect nature. Such transfer is unstable and leads to an excitation of high- frequency (~200 MHz) and low-frequency (~20 kHz) drift oscillations of the plasma. The results obtained are compared with test data.