DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER
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 bibliographi...
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Technical Mechanics| _version_ | 1869653435720138752 |
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| author | SPIRIN, Ye. V. |
| author_facet | SPIRIN, Ye. V. |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
{
"author": "Ye. V. SPIRIN",
"institution": "https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0001-2278-0226 M. K. Yangel Pivdenne State Design Office, 3 Kryvorizka St., Dnipro 49008, Ukraine; e-mail:spiegodn@gmail.com"
}
] |
| author_sort | SPIRIN, Ye. V. |
| baseUrl_str | https://journal-itm.dp.ua/ojs/index.php/ITM_j1/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| datestamp_date | 2026-07-02T22:15:19Z |
| description | 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.
The practical value of the work lies in recommendations on the engineering design of electric metal plasma thrusters and in the results of characterization of an electric thruster with a disk cathode.
The article is intended for experts in rocket propulsion engineering.
REFERENCES
1. O'Reilly D., Herdrich G., Kavanagh D.F. Electric propulsion methods for small satellites: a review. Aerospace. 2021. V. 8. No. 1. Art. 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8010022
2. Kolbeck J., Anders A., Beilis II, Keidar M. Micro-propulsion based on vacuum arcs. J. Appl. Phys. 2019. V.125. Iss. 22. Art. 220902. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5081096
3. Pietzka M. Development and Characterization of a Propulsion System for CubeSats Based on Vacuum Arc Thrusters. Ph.D. Thesis, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Munich, Germany, 2016. 177 pp.
4. Polk J. E., Sekerak M. J., Ziemer J. K., Schein J., Anders A. A Theoretical analysis of vacuum arc thruster and vacuum arc ion thruster performance. IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 2008. V. 36. No. 5, Pp. 2167-2179.https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2008.2004374
5. Krishnan M., Velas K., Leemans S. Metal plasma thruster for small satellites. AIAA Journal. 2020. V. 36. No. 4. Pp. 535-539. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B37603
6. Anders A. Cathodic Arcs: From Fractal Spots to Energetic Condensation. New York: Springer Science Business Media, 2008. 540 pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79108-1
7. Lun J. Performance Improvement of Vacuum Arc Thrusters. A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 2015. 270 pp.
8. Marvin Kühn M., Schein J. Development of a high-reliability vacuum arc thruster system. Journal of Propulsion and Power. 2022. V. 38. No 5. Pp. 752-758. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B38202
9. Duppada G. S., Taploo A., Spinelli J., Keidar M. Toward achieving longevity of micro cathode thrusters. J. Appl. Phys. 2025. Vol. 138. No. 2. Art. 023302.https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0273158
10. Schein J., Qi N., Binder R., Krishnan M., Ziemer J. K., Polk J. E., Anders A. Inductive energy storage driven vacuum arc thruster. Review of Scientific Instruments. 2022. V. 73. No. 2. Pp. 925-927.https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1428784
11. Spirin Ye. V., Nadtoka V. M. Electric thrusters utilizing metal plasma. Space Technology. Missile Armaments. 2025. Iss. 2. Pp.24-34. (In Ukrainian). https://doi.org/10.33136/stma2025.02.024
12. Frankovich, J. K., Krishnan, M., Mackey, J. et al. Qualification of a pulsed, millinewton class metal plasma thruster for broad mission applications. J. Electr. Propuls. 2025. Vol. 4. Art. 65.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44205-025-00139-9
13. Frankovich K., Krishnan M. Metal plasma thruster (MPT): from garage to orbit in 4 years. 3AF Space Propulsion Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, 20 - 23 May 2024
14. Krishnan M, Frankovich J. K., Mackey J. Impulse bit measurements from metal plasma thruster. Journal of Propulsion and Power. 2021. V. 37. No. 4. Pp. 577-583. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B38191
15. Sethuraman S. K., Barrault М. R. Study of the motion of vacuum arcs in high magnetic field. Journal of Nuclear Materials. 1980. V. 93-94. Pp. 791-798. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3115(80)90209-3
16. Dukhopelnikov D.V., Kirillov D.V., Ryazanov V.A., Naing Kyaw Win. Optimization of the cathode spot trajectory to improve the uniformity of cathode production in a vacuum arc evaporator. Engineering Journal: Science and Innovation. 2013. V. 10. URL: http://engjournal.ru/catalog/machin/plasma/1042.html (Last accessed on November19, 2013).
17. Spirin Ye. V. Electroreactive low-thrust jet engine with electric arc discharge. XXV International Conference "Man and Space": Abstracts of the XXV International Youth Scientific and Practical Conference "Man and Space", Dnipro, April 12-14, 2023. Dnipro: National Center for Aerospace Education of Youth named after O.M. Makarov, 2023. Pp. 50-51. (In Ukrainian).
18. Spirin Ye., Nadtoka V. Research of the magnetic field of an electric arc jet engine on metal plasma. Journal of Rocket-Space Technology. 2024. V. 33. No. 4-28. Pp. 45-48. (In Ukrainian).
|
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| institution | Technical Mechanics |
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| last_indexed | 2026-07-03T01:01:02Z |
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| spelling | oai:ojs2.journal-itm.dp.ua:article-1922026-07-02T22:15:19Z DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER SPIRIN, Ye. V. rocket and space technology, electric thruster, vacuum-arc discharge, magnetic field, plasma. 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. The practical value of the work lies in recommendations on the engineering design of electric metal plasma thrusters and in the results of characterization of an electric thruster with a disk cathode. The article is intended for experts in rocket propulsion engineering. REFERENCES 1. O'Reilly D., Herdrich G., Kavanagh D.F. Electric propulsion methods for small satellites: a review. Aerospace. 2021. V. 8. No. 1. Art. 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8010022 2. Kolbeck J., Anders A., Beilis II, Keidar M. Micro-propulsion based on vacuum arcs. J. Appl. Phys. 2019. V.125. Iss. 22. Art. 220902. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5081096 3. Pietzka M. Development and Characterization of a Propulsion System for CubeSats Based on Vacuum Arc Thrusters. Ph.D. Thesis, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Munich, Germany, 2016. 177 pp. 4. Polk J. E., Sekerak M. J., Ziemer J. K., Schein J., Anders A. A Theoretical analysis of vacuum arc thruster and vacuum arc ion thruster performance. IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 2008. V. 36. No. 5, Pp. 2167-2179.https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2008.2004374 5. Krishnan M., Velas K., Leemans S. Metal plasma thruster for small satellites. AIAA Journal. 2020. V. 36. No. 4. Pp. 535-539. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B37603 6. Anders A. Cathodic Arcs: From Fractal Spots to Energetic Condensation. New York: Springer Science Business Media, 2008. 540 pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79108-1 7. Lun J. Performance Improvement of Vacuum Arc Thrusters. A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 2015. 270 pp. 8. Marvin Kühn M., Schein J. Development of a high-reliability vacuum arc thruster system. Journal of Propulsion and Power. 2022. V. 38. No 5. Pp. 752-758. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B38202 9. Duppada G. S., Taploo A., Spinelli J., Keidar M. Toward achieving longevity of micro cathode thrusters. J. Appl. Phys. 2025. Vol. 138. No. 2. Art. 023302.https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0273158 10. Schein J., Qi N., Binder R., Krishnan M., Ziemer J. K., Polk J. E., Anders A. Inductive energy storage driven vacuum arc thruster. Review of Scientific Instruments. 2022. V. 73. No. 2. Pp. 925-927.https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1428784 11. Spirin Ye. V., Nadtoka V. M. Electric thrusters utilizing metal plasma. Space Technology. Missile Armaments. 2025. Iss. 2. Pp.24-34. (In Ukrainian). https://doi.org/10.33136/stma2025.02.024 12. Frankovich, J. K., Krishnan, M., Mackey, J. et al. Qualification of a pulsed, millinewton class metal plasma thruster for broad mission applications. J. Electr. Propuls. 2025. Vol. 4. Art. 65.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44205-025-00139-9 13. Frankovich K., Krishnan M. Metal plasma thruster (MPT): from garage to orbit in 4 years. 3AF Space Propulsion Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, 20 - 23 May 2024 14. Krishnan M, Frankovich J. K., Mackey J. Impulse bit measurements from metal plasma thruster. Journal of Propulsion and Power. 2021. V. 37. No. 4. Pp. 577-583. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B38191 15. Sethuraman S. K., Barrault М. R. Study of the motion of vacuum arcs in high magnetic field. Journal of Nuclear Materials. 1980. V. 93-94. Pp. 791-798. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3115(80)90209-3 16. Dukhopelnikov D.V., Kirillov D.V., Ryazanov V.A., Naing Kyaw Win. Optimization of the cathode spot trajectory to improve the uniformity of cathode production in a vacuum arc evaporator. Engineering Journal: Science and Innovation. 2013. V. 10. URL: http://engjournal.ru/catalog/machin/plasma/1042.html (Last accessed on November19, 2013). 17. Spirin Ye. V. Electroreactive low-thrust jet engine with electric arc discharge. XXV International Conference "Man and Space": Abstracts of the XXV International Youth Scientific and Practical Conference "Man and Space", Dnipro, April 12-14, 2023. Dnipro: National Center for Aerospace Education of Youth named after O.M. Makarov, 2023. Pp. 50-51. (In Ukrainian). 18. Spirin Ye., Nadtoka V. Research of the magnetic field of an electric arc jet engine on metal plasma. Journal of Rocket-Space Technology. 2024. V. 33. No. 4-28. Pp. 45-48. (In Ukrainian). текст 3 2026-07-02 Article Article https://journal-itm.dp.ua/ojs/index.php/ITM_j1/article/view/192 Technical Mechanics; No. 2 (2026): Technical Mechanics; 69-78 Институт технической механики Национальной академии наук Украины и Государственного космического агентства Украины; № 2 (2026): Technical Mechanics; 69-78 ТЕХНІЧНА МЕХАНІКА; № 2 (2026): ТЕХНІЧНА МЕХАНІКА; 69-78 Copyright (c) 2026 Technical Mechanics |
| spellingShingle | SPIRIN, Ye. V. DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER |
| title | DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER |
| title_full | DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER |
| title_fullStr | DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER |
| title_full_unstemmed | DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER |
| title_short | DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A METAL PLASMA VACUUM-ARC THRUSTER |
| title_sort | development and characterization of a metal plasma vacuum-arc thruster |
| topic_facet | rocket and space technology electric thruster vacuum-arc discharge magnetic field plasma. |
| url | https://journal-itm.dp.ua/ojs/index.php/ITM_j1/article/view/192 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT spirinyev developmentandcharacterizationofametalplasmavacuumarcthruster |