Line broadening analysis of MPD thrusters
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Authors
Bullard, William A., III
Subjects
Electromagnetic propulsion
Doppler broadening
Stark broadening
Plasma spectroscopy
Doppler broadening
Stark broadening
Plasma spectroscopy
Advisors
Cleary, David
Biblarz, Oscar
Date of Issue
1997-03
Date
March 1997
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
eng
Abstract
Spectroscopic analysis of the cathode jet of a model coaxial magneto- plasma dynamic (MPD) thruster is conducted to determine electron density and temperature downstream from the cathode. H(Beta) line profiles were scanned from an argon-hydrogen plasma generated in the cathode test facility of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. A computer program was written in IDL to determine the profile Doppler and Stark half widths, which were used to determine temperature and electron density, respectively. Three sets of data from the cathode test facility were taken, while varying operating voltage, current, hydrogen/argon ratio, and pressure. Radial profiles for electron density and temperature were determined within the cathode jet. Generated plasmas ranged in electron density and temperature from approximately Ne = 2 x 10(14) cm( -3) at 5000 K (0.43 eV) to 4 x 10(14) cm( -3) at 15600 K (1.3 eV). It was determined that radial density and temperature distribution within the cathode jet are essentially uniform
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Department of Physics
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.