ESTIMATION OF
EFFICIENCY OF WORK OF HOLLOW CATHODE WITH AUXILIARY DIGIT
A.V. Khitko, A.M. Cherkun
Practically in all types of electrically powered propulsion systems cathodes are
applied. Cathode has a basic role in organizing processes of production and
neutralization of ions. Its parameters substantially influence on a resource,
reliability and power efficiency of electric thrusters. In the article results
of research of gas efficiency and cost of electron dependence of cathode with
an internal discharge in the range of pressures of 10-2 - 1 torr are brought. Researches were conducted, using the
method of calculation worked out before. Parameters of emitter were calculated
for an optimal temperature. It provides the minimum energy consumption of
cathode. It is shown that discharge current must be got, applying a cathode
with internal
discharge, at minimum pressure in cathode’s cavity (~10-2
torr.). Gas efficiency is maximal thus, and the growth
of watts-in is insignificant.
Key words: hollow cathode, internal discharge, critical density of current,
pressure in the cavity of cathode, electric thruster.