A study on the efficiency of pulsed plasma thruster (PPT)

Abstract

PurposeThe pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) is one sort of promising electric thrusters, but the low efficiency is always a big problem for PPT. Many researches have been working on solving this problem. However, there is still no significant breakthrough. This paper aimed to discuss some methods for improving the PPT's efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe causes for the low efficiency by analyzing the theoretical models of PPT are discussed, and the influences on PPT's performance investigated in terms of the structural or electrical parameters.FindingsThe change of structural or electrical parameters which influence the thrust efficiency significantly are taken into account. In the process of designing PPT, optimized structural and electrical parameters should be chosen to attain a better performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis is mainly based on the parallel‐rail PPT.Practical implicationsThe result of analysis is adopted, the higher thrust efficiency of PPT is expectable.Originality/valueBy introducing theoretical models and analyzing results of some researcher's experiments, this paper offers a method of designing PPT and attempts to help designer to choose appropriate structural and electrical parameters.