关键词: 离子推力器;配电方式;放电室;性能参数;试验验证

Abstract: Kaufman ion thruster mainly has two most representative distribution modes at present: the positive terminal of screen supply is connected with the positive or negative terminal end of anode supply. In order to study the effects of power distribution modes on performance of Kaufman-type ion thruster, the relationships between the electrode potential and current balance in the discharge chamber of two main power distribution modes were obtained and the expression of the plasma features was deduced and the effect on various performance parameters of ion thruster were analyzed theoretically. Combined with the performance tests of LIPS 300 ion thruster developed by Lanzhou Institute of Physics, which operated in 3kW and 5kW under two distribution modes, various working parameters and performance parameters of ion thruster were analyzed by analytical method. The experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical analysis results. The study shows that the distribution mode with the positive terminal of screen supply connected with the negative end of anode supply can achieve higher thrust and specific impulse, improve the transparency of the grid, and reduce the sputtering rate of ions on the grid, thus improving the grid life, but the cost of beam ion generation is slightly higher. The study can provide approach for the design and optimization of power configuration for ion thruster.

Key words: Ion thruster;Power distribution mode;Discharge chamber;Performance parameter;Test validation