Ion beamlet vectoring by grid translationIon beamlet vectoring is investigated by collecting deflection and divergence angle data for two-grid systems as a function of the relative displacement of these grids. Results show that at large displacements, accelerator grid impingement becomes a limiting factor and this determines the useful range of beamlet deflection. Beamlet deflection was shown to vary linearly with grid offset angle over this range. Values of deflection-to-offset angle ratio and useful range of deflection are presented as functions of grid-hole geometries, perveance levels, and accelerating voltages. It is found that the divergence of the beamlets is unaffected by deflection over the useful range of beamlet deflection. The grids of a typical dished-grid ion thruster are examined to determine where over the grid surface the grid offsets exceed the useful range, which indicates the regions on the surface where high accelerator grid impingment is probably occurring.
Document ID
19830031334
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Homa, J. M. (Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Wilbur, P. J. (Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1982
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 82-1895
Meeting Information
Meeting: Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences, and DGLR, International Electric Propulsion Conference