Self-triggering method applied to vacuum arc thruster

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a self-triggering method applied to a vacuum arc thruster. The self-triggering method comprises the steps that carbon-based materials are selected as trigger electrodes; a self-triggering electrode structure is arranged and comprises a cathode, an anode, the trigger electrodes and an insulating medium, wherein one of the cathode is of a conical cylindricalstructure, the anode is of a horn-shaped nozzle structure, the insulating medium is of a cylindrical structure, the cathode is coated with the insulating medium, and the anode is fixed to one end of the insulating medium; the multiple trigger electrodes are evenly arranged to penetrate through the insulating medium, and the tips of the trigger electrodes protrude out of the inner surface of the insulating medium; and a low voltage is applied between the trigger electrodes (and the cathode) and the anode, plasmas connecting the cathode with the anode are generated by generating surface discharge between the trigger electrodes and the anode, low-voltage self-triggering is achieved, and a vacuum arc is established between the cathode and the anode. According to the self-triggering method, reliable low-voltage triggering without an external trigger power supply can be achieved.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the technical field of vacuum arc thrusters, in particular to a self-triggering method applied to vacuum arc thrusters. Background technique [0002] Low-voltage vacuum arc start is of great significance to the optimization of VATs (vacuum arc thrusters, vacuum arc thrusters). [0003] The ignition of vacuum arcs usually requires special methods such as fuses, trailing arcs, and striker arcs. The goal of all ignition methods used to initiate a cold cathode arc is to establish one or more stable cathode points that generate a large amount of plasma to connect the electrodes. The easiest way to initiate a vacuum arc is to apply a high voltage to break down the vacuum gap and use the same power source to maintain the arc. This is a reliable method for most cathode materials and does not require any other triggering components. However, the downside of this method is that it requires a high voltage and thus is prone to insulatio...

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Problems solved by technology

However, the disadvantage of this method is that it requires a high voltage, so it is prone to insulation problems

However, some materials with low melting point (such as lead) may make the resistance between cathode and anode too low, and some easily oxidized materials (such as Li, Mg, Ba) are easily corroded, resulting in a very high resistance between cathode and anode. Impedance (>100kΩ); both cases will cause trigger failure

Also, the special requirement of 10μm between cathode and insulator is a potential disadvantage for vacuum arc thrusters, since it is almost impossible to maintain in outer space

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