Uniform gas distribution in ion accelerators with closed electron drift

摘要: A system for uniformly distributing propellant gas in a Hall-effect thruster (10) (HET) includes an anode (42, 42′) and porous material distributor (60, 89) (PMGD). The (120) may be metal or ceramic. Propellant is directed from supply to the PMGD distribution into discharge region (16) of HET (10). flows through out PMGD's exit surface (71) annular (16). has average pore size, density thickness that are optimized control flow at desired rate uniformity relatively short distance downstream PMGD. This feature allows short, significantly decreasing susceptibility vibration problems encountered during vehicle launch. can include shield (79, 80) preventing contaminants traveling upstream adhering metal. integrated separate shield. In addition, perforated so as allow pass further decrease needed achieve uniform distribution. Alternatively, oriented face perpendicularly path HET, which reduces probability surface.