Experimental investigation of a low-energy linear plasma propulsion device

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results for a new design of a pulsed linear plasma device that generates electromagnetic plasma propulsion. The current sheath dynamics and the plasma propulsion along an extension tube have been studied. Breakdown of helium gas occurs between coaxial electrodes when applying a high-voltage pulse. This paper presents measurements with a number of probes, as well as camera images of the plasma propagation. A plasma is ejected and fills a 40 cm length extension tube. Additionally, the measurements show that the length of the propelled plasma column and its intensity inside the expansion tube is increased by increasing the charging voltage, while the plasma propulsion current is decreased along the extension tube. It is noted that a lower critical time; 4.7 μs, is needed to ionize the gas and form the plasma current sheath.