An approach to the parametric design of ion thrustersA methodology that can be used to determine which of several physical constraints can limit ion thruster power and thrust, under various design and operating conditions, is presented. The methodology is exercised to demonstrate typical limitations imposed by grid system span-to-gap ratio, intragrid electric field, discharge chamber power per unit beam area, screen grid lifetime and accelerator grid lifetime constraints. Limitations on power and thrust for a thruster defined by typical discharge chamber and grid system parameters when it is operated at maximum thrust-to-power are discussed.
Document ID
19890060110
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wilbur, Paul J. (Colorado State University Fort Collins, United States)
Beattie, John R. (Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Hyman, Jay, Jr. (Hughes Research Laboratories Malibu, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Country: Germany
Start Date: October 3, 1988
End Date: October 6, 1988
Sponsors: Japan Society of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, DGLR, AIAA