Ignition device of radio frequency ion thruster

Abstract

The invention provides an ignition device of a radio frequency ion thruster and relates to the technical field of radio frequency ion thrusters. The device comprises a metal gas inlet pipe, a main ionization chamber, an auxiliary ionization chamber, a main coil, an additional coil and a screen grid. In a working state, the screen grid is connected to a direct-current high-voltage power supply; meanwhile, the main coil wound on the main ionization chamber is connected to a radio frequency power source; the additional coil wound on the auxiliary ionization chamber senses sine high voltage; the metal gas inlet pipe is in equipotential connection with one end of the additional coil, so that a strong electric field between the screen grid and the metal gas inlet pipe is enhanced by half of probability; the enhanced electric field breaks down more working media into plasmas; the high-density plasmas are diffused to the main ionization chamber and collide with the non-ionized working media in an accelerated mode; the working media in the main ionization chamber are completely ionized; the input power of the radio frequency power source on the main coil is reduced; and low-power ignition operation is achieved.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the technical field of radio frequency ion thrusters, in particular to an ignition device for radio frequency ion thrusters. Background technique [0002] The radio frequency ion thruster is a device that uses electromagnetic waves with a frequency of about 1-10MHz to ionize the working medium and accelerates the ions in the ion extraction system to generate thrust. It is a type of aerospace electric thruster. It has the characteristics of simple structure, high specific impulse, high efficiency, and long working life. It is suitable for attitude adjustment, orbit maintenance, orbit change and even deep space exploration of various spacecraft. It has a simpler structure than conventional DC ion thrusters. Advantages of longer life. [0003] The main structure of the RF ion thruster includes an ionization chamber that can pass through electromagnetic waves smoothly, a gas distributor, a coil wound outside the ionization chamber...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For the first case, the impedance changes significantly before and after ignition, the impact is large, and the working fluid and energy are wasted. The second case will damage the accelerating grid and shorten the life of the system. The RF ion thruster of the electron source or the self-neutralizing RF ion thruster without a neutralizer still cannot avoid the first and second problems

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