Transient phenomena in Hall thruster ignition and operation

C. L. Ellison, Y. Raitses, N. Fisch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

High speed imaging of the thruster startup revealed a bright ionization period which settles into steady operation over ~50 μs. The cathode introduces azimuthal asymmetry which persists for ~30 μs into the ignition. In steady-state operation, this azimuthal non-uniformity disappears, while breathing ionization oscillations ~ 11 kHz can be observed. On high speed images, these oscillations manifest themselves as azimuthally symmetric oscillations in visible spectrum. Visual identification of the discharge non-uniformity at the ignition is relevant for practical applications of the Hall thrusters on satellites, and laboratory experiments with fast current interrupters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication47th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2011
StatePublished - 2011
Event47th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2011 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 31 2011Aug 3 2011

Publication series

Name47th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2011

Other

Other47th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period7/31/118/3/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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