DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER

• Дата: 2026
• Автор: SPIRIN, Ye. V.
• Формат: Стаття
• Опубліковано: текст 3 2026
• Онлайн доступ: https://journal-itm.dp.ua/ojs/index.php/ITM_j1/article/view/192
• Назва журналу: Technical Mechanics

Metal plasma vacuum-arc thrusters attract increased attention due to their design simplicity, easy scalability, and stable, reliable operation. The goal of this work is to develop and characterize an electric metal plasma vacuum-arc thruster with a long service life. Research methods: a bibliographic analysis of the scientific and technical literature, a gravimetric thrust measurement method, and measurement of electrical characteristics. The article presents the results of development and characterization of a metal plasma vacuum-arc thruster with a disk cathode made of aluminum alloy 5056 (analog of AMG6 alloy). The metal plasma thruster is a new class of electric propulsion systems in which the cathode metal is converted into plasma using an electric dischargeб, and the accelerated flow of the metal plasma produces jet thrust. Compared with known designs of metal plasma vacuum-arc thrusters, the thruster developed has a significant cathode mass (805 g) with a working surface area of 298 cm2. The thruster has a special magnetic system to control cathode spot motion over the working surface of the cathode. Cathode spot motion was studied at different magnetic field magnitudes and configurations, and the thrust was determined at different values ​​of the discharge current and compared with that of existing metal plasma vacuum-arc thrusters. The scientific novelty of the work lies in that the electric vacuum-arc thruster developed is the first to use the controlled motion of cathode spots in order to ensure uniform erosion of the cathode material and extend the service life. A disk cathode and cathode spot motion control by the magnetic field of a solenoid and a permanent magnet are a novelty too. 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