Low energy surface flashover for initiation of electric propulsion devices

Abstract

An approach to modify a classic surface flashover by reducing the energy of the individual flashover event in order to reliably operate the same flashover assembly for large number of triggering events has been demonstrated. This modified surface flashover is referred to as Low Energy Surface Flashover (LESF). LESF is intended to trigger the discharge in electric propulsion systems throughout the entire operational lifetime. LESF differs from the conventional surface flashover in reducing the duration of high-current stage of the flashover to below <100–200 ns. This minimizes the damage to the LESF assembly and allows successful operation of the same assembly for >1.5 · 106 consecutive flashovers without failure. The amount of the seed plasma created in the individual LESF event was demonstrated to be sufficient to trigger a moderate current arc which models a discharge in an electric propulsion system.