Abstract
For near-future large-scale space programs, high-power Hall thruster cluster systems are required. At Gifu University, based on the prior studies of magnetic-layer thruster discharge characteristics, a study to investigate interference effects on discharge characteristics for the cluster system was initiated. To characterize cluster operations, a side-by-side (SBS) system comprising two anode layer heads and a hollow cathode was developed. In this study, discharge characteristics for a two-head anode layer thruster system (SBS operation) and a single thruster system (single operation) were compared to investigate interference effects of multi-head operation. The discharge currents in SBS operation increased relative to those in single operation. The discharge current oscillation amplitudes in SBS operation at coil currents increased substantially relative to those in single operation. Increases in the discharge current and ionization oscillation amplitude were likely caused by plume interference of the two heads. The differences in the discharge current and ionization oscillation amplitude between same-direction and opposite-direction applied magnetic fields were small.
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