Performance Evaluation of a Magnetically Enhanced Micro-Cathode Vacuum Arc Thruster

Abstract of ThesisPerformance Evaluation of a Magnetically Enhanced Micro-Cathode Vacuum Arc ThrusterA magnetically enhanced Micro-Cathode Vacuum Arc Thruster (μCAT) was designed and fabricated at the George Washington University (GWU). This thesis reports on the results of experimental performance testing of the μCAT. The thruster impulse and exhaust velocity were considered as well as various energy and efficiency values. Magnetic field simulations were conducted of different permanent magnet configurations that could be used in the magnetically enhanced μCAT. Plasma parameters within the μCAT were examined. Finally, a possible μCAT application to perform an orbit change maneuver for a small satellite was considered.

Author

• Denz, Thomas Andrew

Language

• en

Keyword

• Plasma
• Vacuum Arc Thruster
• Micro-Thruster
• Magnetically Enhanced
• Efficiency
• Magnetic Field Simulation

Date created

• 2012

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Degree

• M.S.

Advisor

• Keidar, Michael

Committee Member(s)

• Soldner, John K.
• Lee, Taeyoung

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/6h440s769