A Comparison of Characteristics of a Model of the Anode Layer Thruster Operating on Xenon, Argon and Nitrogen

Characteristics of the thruster with anode layer depends on the propellant. In the transition from traditionally used and well-studied xenon to other propellants, it is important to know how the main parameters of the thruster are changing. The article presents the results of research into the operation of a laboratory model of the anode layer thruster in the low voltage mode on xenon, argon and nitrogen. Current-voltage characteristics and dependences of the ion current on the discharge voltage of model devices for each propellant are obtained. The energy and mass efficiency factors are compared. The evaluation of the power-thrust ratio when the anode layer thruster operates on nitrogen and inert gases is performed.

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