Optimization of radio-frequency ion thruster discharge chamber using an analytical model

Emre Turkoz, Murat Celik
2013 2013 6th International Conference on Recent Advances in Space Technologies (RAST)  
The radio frequency ion thruster is an impulse generator to be used in space missions. It is a plasma based generator which utilizes electrostatic field between grids to accelerate the ionized gas out of the thruster to generate thrust. An analytical model is used to optimize the geometry of the discharge chamber which contains the inductively coupled plasma. The model is implemented and verified with existing thrusters and the results of the optimization process are presented. The results of
more » ... r optimization routine validate the recent trend in radio frequency thruster design, which promotes hemispherical discharge chambers. Keywords-electric propulsion, radio-frequency ion thrusters, inductively coupled plasma I.
doi:10.1109/rast.2013.6581262 fatcat:jfjqjotfmzgajck53kufihjdba