Magnetic field tailoring effects on ion beam properties in cylindrical Hall thrusters

Abstract

The magnetic field is the most important element in designing a Hall thruster and improving thruster performance because it directly influences the behavior of electrons in the discharge channel. In this work, magnetic field tailoring, parallel magnetic fields to the thruster channel wall, has been attempted in a cylindrical Hall thruster, and the resultant ion beam properties are studied. The magnetic field tailored cylindrical Hall thruster demonstrated much higher ion current and propellant efficiencies than the conventional cylindrical Hall thruster, with an identical mass flow rate. A large fraction of multiply charged ions (>65%) was observed and reduced beam emission was demonstrated near the channel wall. Further, the channel wall is solely coated without erosion even at the end of the channel. Hence, tailoring of the magnetic field in cylindrical Hall thrusters could significantly enhance the potential of Hall thrusters in space applications owing to their higher propellant efficiency and reduced wall interaction.