Effects of rotating supply mode on the ionization parameters of a krypton Hall thruster

Abstract The increasing demand for cost reduction in aerospace electric propulsion makes the application of krypton Hall thrusters a compelling choice. However, these thrusters continue to experience performance limitations. Nonetheless, their working performance and stability have been greatly improved via their operation in the rotating supply mode. The present study is based on previous research results pertaining to the rotating supply mode and subsequent studies of the specific mechanism by which the rotating supply mode influences the ionization process and performance of the krypton Hall thruster. The ionization performance of the thruster was analyzed using an image diagnosis method. The rotating supply mode reduces the width of the ionization zone, increases the ionization intensity, and moves the ionization zone upstream of the discharge channel. Considering the flow rate-ampere characteristics at a discharge voltage of 300 V, the rotating supply mode can reduce the width of the ionization zone by 10%–20%, increase the ionization intensity by approximately 14%, and move the maximum ionization intensity peak position nearly 2 mm upstream of the discharge channel, compared to the axial supply mode. The experimental data explains the mechanism by which the rotating supply mode optimizes the ionization process in the krypton Hall thruster.