An ion thruster probe installation method

Abstract

This application relates to the field of aerospace electric propulsion technology, in particular, to an ion thruster probe installation method, including the following steps: Step 1: Install the grid assembly on the grid installation ring; Step 2: Install the grid assembly on the grid installation ring; The surface of the component is provided with 5 probe groups in sequence along the radial direction, and each probe group includes 3 springs and 3 probes; Step 3: Connect one end of each probe to the corresponding spring, and the other end to the gate The components are connected, and the probes are fixed on the grid assembly through the pressure or tension of the springs; Step 4: Fix the other end of each spring on the support frame, and the 5 probe groups are fixed on the support frame sequentially through the springs; step 5: Fix the two ends of the support frame to the grid installation ring with screws to complete the fixed installation of the probe. The invention has a simple structure, is convenient for processing and installation, does not damage the grid, does not cause pollution to the grid, and ensures measurement accuracy under high temperature and high vacuum environments.

Description

technical field [0001] The present application relates to the technical field of aerospace electric propulsion, in particular, to a method for installing ion thruster probes. Background technique [0002] The grid assembly is unique on the ion thruster and plays multiple roles. Functionally, it extracts, accelerates, and focuses positive ions from the discharge chamber plasma to form an ejection beam. In terms of performance, it largely determines the ion thruster. It is also a key component that affects the reliability and life of the ion thruster. The value of grid spacing (cold grid spacing) will be strictly controlled when the grid assembly is assembled. However, during the working process of the thruster, due to the influence of the temperature field, electric field, and magnetic field on the grid material, the grid assembly will be deformed. The change of the grid spacing in the thermal state of the grid assembly will not only change the geometric parameters between t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The value of grid spacing (cold grid spacing) will be strictly controlled when the grid assembly is assembled. However, during the working process of the thruster, due to the influence of the temperature field, electric field, and magnetic field on the grid material, the grid assembly will be deformed. The change of the grid spacing in the thermal state of the grid assembly will not only change the geometric parameters between the grids, affect the extraction of the beam current, aggravate the corrosion of the grid, and adversely affect the performance of the thruster. In severe cases, a short circuit between the grids will occur directly Cause the thruster to fail, therefore, measuring the size of the grid spacing of the grid assembly is very critical for evaluating the performance of the thruster and predicting the life of the thruster

[0003] The grid assembly is composed of a screen grid, an acceleration grid, and a deceleration grid. When the grid spacing is measured by a non-contact optical measurement method, the position of the grid sheet cannot be directly determined. The probe and the grid need to be fixed. The length of the grid is used to represent the change of the grid position. The installation distance between the grids is very small. It is very difficult to use mechanical installation when installing the probes, which may easily lead to damage to the grid components. produce pollution

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