A Mixed Effect Ring Ion Thruster Based on Segmented Anodes

Abstract

A mixed-effect annular ion thruster based on segmented anodes. First, the propelling working medium enters the discharge chamber from the outer annular working medium distributor located upstream of the grid, and the working medium gas is distributed at the normal velocity of the anode wall outside, so that the working The mass gas density is lower downstream of the cathode. A radial electric field is formed between the segmented anodes, and an E×B crossed field is formed in the downstream region of the cathode with the magnetic field passing through the cathode axis. Then, the biased cathode releases high-energy electrons, which are confined under the magnetic mirror effect of the permanent magnet and undergo circumferential Hall drift under the Hall effect of the E×B cross field, and simultaneously ionize the propellant to form a plasma. Subsequently, the plasma is extracted and accelerated by the ring grid. Finally, the electrons emitted by the neutralizer are neutralized to form a plume to generate thrust. The invention couples various effects based on the segmented anode design, which can improve the circumferential uniformity of high-energy electrons and plasma emitted by the biased cathode, improve grid working conditions and increase grid service life.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of electric propulsion, and more specifically relates to a mixed-effect ring-type ion thruster based on segmented anodes. Background technique [0002] At the beginning of 2020, my country's lunar exploration program "Chang'e Project Phase III" was successfully completed, a deep space exploration network was initially established, and the Mars exploration program was put on the agenda. The primary problem in carrying out the Mars exploration mission is the carrying problem of the probe. If the probe wants to get rid of the gravity of the earth and enter the orbit of Mars, its flight speed must exceed the second cosmic speed. At the same time, the probe has to go through an extremely long flight time, during which it also withstands various forces, heat and radiation disturbances. Therefore, carrying out the Mars exploration mission puts forward higher requirements on the thrust, power, specific impulse, eff...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

But at the same time, due to the discharge cathode bias, there are problems such as difficulty in discharge and uneven distribution of particles in the circumferential direction.

This problem greatly limits the further development and application of the annular ion thruster

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