Development of a high-speed, reciprocating electrostatic probe system for Hall thruster interrogation

Abstract

The use of electrostatic probes to measure local plasma parameters inside the discharge chamber of a Hall thruster presents significant difficulties. The high-temperature, dense plasma, and Hall current in the accelerating channel heat the probe rapidly causing ablation of probe material, which perturbs thruster operation and reduces probe lifetime. Results are presented which show the extent of perturbation to discharge current, cathode potential, and thrust for the case where probe material is ablated. A simple thermal model of probe material heating is developed and ablation times for a typical probe configuration are presented. Using the results of the thermal model, a high-speed axial reciprocating probe (HARP) system was developed to enable probe survival and reduce thruster perturbations during interrogation of the discharge chamber of a Hall thruster. Results using the HARP system are presented showing a significant reduction in thruster perturbation. The results also indicate that a mechanism other than material ablation is contributing to perturbation of the thruster. Based on emissive probe data, the tungsten conductor appears to provide a low impedance path between magnetic field lines, enhancing electron transport to the anode.