I mpact of H ollow A node G eometries on C haracteristics of M iniature L ow P ower M agnetic L ayer Hall T hruster

Abstract

In this study, an investigation was conducted for an impact of hollow anode geometries on discharge and thrust characteristics of miniature low power magnetic layer Hall thrusters with Xe propellant . Two types of the hollow anodes with different volumes were examined. As results, it was shown that a thruster with smaller volume of the hollow anode showed tendencies of larger discharge currents up to nearly 30%. M oreover, the thruster with smaller hollow anode showed smaller thrusts (down to about 30%), and smaller anode efficiency (down to about a half).