Characterization of ISF-VAT performance in weak magnetic nozzle

TL;DR

This study experimentally characterizes the performance of a vacuum arc thruster with a magnetic nozzle, demonstrating optimal thrust improvements at moderate magnetic fields and suppression at higher fields, supported by a parametric performance model.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed experimental analysis of ISF-VAT performance in a magnetic nozzle with a comprehensive parametric model for performance enhancement.

Findings

Optimal thrust to power ratio at B ≈ 0.2 T

Performance enhancement due to beam collimation and acceleration

Arc discharge suppression at B > 0.2 T

Abstract

Vacuum arc thruster performance in a magnetic nozzle configuration is experimentally characterized. Measurements are performed on a miniature coaxial thruster with an anode inner diameter of $1.8$ mm. The magnetic field B is produced by a single air coil, $18$ mm in diameter. Direct measurement of thrust, mass consumption and arc current are performed. To obtain statistically viable results $\approx 6000$ arc pulses are analyzed at each operational point. Cathode mass erosion is measured using laser profilometry. To sustain thruster operation over several measurement cycles, an active cathode feeding system is used. For $0< B \leq 0.2$ T performance increase over the non-magnetic case is observed with the best thrust to arc power ratio $T/P \approx 9$ $\mu$N/W obtained at $B \approx 0.2$ T. A parametric model is provided that captures the performance enhancement based on beam collimation and acceleration by the magnetic nozzle. For $B > 0.2$ T the arc discharge is shown to be suppressed nullifying any additional gains by the nozzle effect.