Improved rf-coupling methods for RIT-engines

Conference · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · AIAA Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5111287

Lenz, B; Schweitzer, M; Loeb, H W

Ion generation in the rf-ion thrusters is caused by inductive coupling of rf-energy into a self-sustaining discharge. But the actual arrangement of the induction coil cannot hinder the rf-magnetic field to permeate not only the plasma but also the complete volume of thruster. This leads to undesired rf-losses based on the eddy currents in conductive thruster components. The most promising material for screening the rf-magnetic field outside the induction coil is ferrite, which in addition intensifies the strength of the magnetic field. The results of our measurements indicate a clear saving of rf-energy just as a significant reducing of working frequency and discharge pressure, which improves the electrical and mass efficiency of the RIT-engines.

• Research Organization: Giessen, Universitaet, Giessen, West Germany
• OSTI ID: 5111287
• Report Number(s): CONF-791046-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIAA Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: 79-2057
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320201* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Air & Aerospace
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COUPLING
CURRENTS
DESIGN
DISSIPATION FACTOR
EDDY CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
FERRIMAGNETIC MATERIALS
FERRITES
INTERACTIONS
ION THRUSTERS
IRON COMPOUNDS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC MATERIALS
MATERIALS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PROPULSION
SPACE VEHICLES
THRUSTERS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
VEHICLES