A direct thrust measurement of a 30-cm diameter ion thruster was accomplished by means of a laser interferometer thrust stand. The thruster was supported in a pendulum manner by three 3.65-m long wires. Electrical power was provided by means of 18 mercury filled pots. A movable 23-button planar probe rake was used to determine thrust loss due to ion beam divergence. Values of thrust, thrust loss due to ion beam divergence, and thrust loss due to multiple ionization were measured for ion beam currents ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 A. Measured thrust values indicate an accuracy of approximately 1% and are in good agreement with thrust values calculated by indirect measurements.


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    Title :

    Direct thrust measurement of a 30-cm ion thruster


    Contributors:
    Banks, B. (author) / Rawlin, V. (author) / Weigand, A. (author) / Walker, J. (author)

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electric Propulsion Conference ; 1975 ; New Orleans, LA


    Publication date :

    1975-03-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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