RF-plasma analysis
Abstract
With respect to the development of an advanced RIT 10 RF-ion engine, the mechanism of the electrodeless RF-ring discharge at low pressures has been theoretically investigated. Starting from the balance equations of ions and RF-power, the electron temperature as function of the discharge pressure for several discharge tube lengths and diameters, radial plasma density, potential and ion current density profiles has been calculated. The theory gives numerical values of the optimum discharge tube length and optimum discharge pressure which are in good agreement with the experimental results.
- Publication:
-
3rd European Electric Propulsion Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1974
- Bibcode:
- 1974elpr.conf..298W
- Keywords:
-
- Electrodeless Discharges;
- Ion Engines;
- Plasma Diagnostics;
- Radio Frequency Discharge;
- Electron Energy;
- Free Fall;
- Gas Discharge Tubes;
- Skin Resistance;
- Spacecraft Propulsion;
- Plasma Physics