Summary of - Hall-Effect Thrusters for Deep-Space Missions: A Review

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background: Deep-space missions often involve spacecraft system operation for prolonged durations. Thus, it is crucial for the HETs to be operational for extended periods without any failure. Therefore, extensive research is necessary to ensure that the thruster condition, lifespan, and performance are adequate for the successful completion of the mission.

Research Goals:

To study the effect of different parameters such as, thruster geometry, magnetic field, thruster wall material, and different types of propellants on the performance of a Hall Effect Thruster.

Methodological Approach:

It initiates with the working principle of the Hall effect thrusters followed by the key performance parameters of the thrusters. An in-depth survey has been carried out on each parameter as shown below.

i. Geometric aspects

It deals with various thruster geometries, components, and the effect of their interaction on the thruster performance

ii. Magnetic Field Topology:

Magnetic field is a primary influencing parameter on electrons’ behavior, and changes in the same directly affect the lifespan and performance of the thruster.

iii. Effect of Wall Material:

The impact of thruster material is reviewed here on the thruster performance.

iv. Types of Propellants:

Different propellants, including the solid and gaseous state, are discussed here in-depth. Insight is also provided on different propellant delivery systems that can be used depending upon the propellant type.

Results and Discoveries:

1. the MS significantly reduces the erosion of the thruster wall, hence, substantially increases the lifespan of the thruster.

2. The wall material was found to play a major role in SEE and the energy losses associated with plasma–wall interactions. In case of magnetically shielded thrusters, the metallic wall materials can increase heat resistance and structural rigidity.

3. For unshielded thrusters,

insulating materials, such as borosil and boron nitride were recommended as the most suitable wall materials based on their lowest SEE and substantial reduction in ion–wall losses, which further increases the thruster efficiency.

4. Xenon was found to be the most widely used propellant for the HETs; however, it is more expensive and scarcer in availability. The solid propellants, Bismuth and Iodine showed promising results in terms of thruster performance; however, in-depth studies are required before their adoption in the thruster operation.

Citation to the base paper:

Bapat, A., Salunkhe, P.B. and Patil A.V., “Hall effect thrusters for deep space missions: A review”, IEEE Trans. on Plasma Science, 2022, 50, pp. 189-202.

Publication Date

January 31, 2022

Publication Date

2022

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