Date of Award
5-2014
Access Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering Physics
Department
Physical Sciences
Committee Chair
Dr. M. Anthony Reynolds
First Committee Member
Dr. John Hughes
Second Committee Member
Dr. Bereket Berhane
Abstract
Electric propulsion engines, in particular Hall thrusters, provide the possibility of long-distance, low-cost space travel. The geometrical details of the Hall thrusters, especially the magnetic field prole, are crucial to improving their efficiency. The effect of the magnetic field structure was investigated using a simple, two-dimensional model, assuming axial symmetry. The previous one-dimensional conclusion, namely that the details of the shape of the magnetic field are unimportant, was confirmed. This result has implications for the design of future Hall thruster engines, with an eye toward maximizing their efficiency.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Harvey, Megan Lewis, "The Effect of the 2-Dimensional Magnetic Field Profile in Hall Thrusters" (2014). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 160.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/160
