Boltzmann expansion in a radiofrequency conical helicon thruster operating in xenon and argon

Journal Article · Mon Jun 03 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4810001· OSTI ID:22162970

Charles, C.; Boswell, R. ^[1]; Takahashi, K. ^[1]

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1. Space Plasma, Power and Propulsion Laboratory, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 (Australia)

A low pressure ({approx}0.5 mTorr in xenon and {approx}1 mTorr in argon) Boltzmann expansion is experimentally observed on axis within a magnetized (60 to 180 G) radiofrequency (13.56 MHz) conical helicon thruster for input powers up to 900 W using plasma parameters measured with a Langmuir probe. The axial forces, respectively, resulting from the electron and magnetic field pressures are directly measured using a thrust balance for constant maximum plasma pressure and show a higher fuel efficiency for argon compared to xenon.

• OSTI ID: 22162970
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 102, Issue 22; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ARGON
BALANCES
BOLTZMANN EQUATION
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRONS
EXPANSION
LANGMUIR PROBE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA PRESSURE
PRESSURE RANGE PA
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
XENON