Investigation of the anode configuration influence on the PPS-1350 laboratory model plume divergence

Abstract

Results of experimental study of Stationary Plasma Thruster (SPT) performance improvement possibility by choice of the appropriate anode design are represented in a report. In particular more attention was paid to the thruster plume divergence reduction problem. This study was fulfilled to support the Societe Europeence de Propulsion and Fakel Design Bureau joint SPT development of PPS-1350 type. In the frames of this study there was developed, manufactured and tested the PPS-1350 laboratory model with anodes of several configurations under typical for this thruster operation modes. For more full investigation there were studied the possibility to adjust magnetic field topology for the chosen anode configurations, an impact of internal accelerating channel geometry adaptation (change) at the beginning of thruster life and an impact of the accelerating chamber erosion after the thruster long time operation. As results of study it is shown that anode designs used in a modern SPT's and in a PPS-1350 design give the best results and that magnetic field topology adjustment with additional magnetization coils introduced into PPS-1350 design could be used to maintain high level of the thruster performance including its plume divergence through the thruster life.