Plasma reactive propulsion for space vehicle - produces thrust by accelerating ions in electrical field of quasi-steady arc discharge

摘要

The pulsed arc discharge is produced between a rod-shaped cathode and a bracket-shaped anode under the action of a permanent magnetic field, and fed from an electrolytic capacitor. The discharge evaporates and ionises the reactive force producing substance which is automatically fed under the anode. The ions are accelerated in the electrical field of the arc thus producing a directional thrust whereby the electrical field forces the electrons against the surface of the reaction substance. The substance may be carried on a belt which is moved from a feed reel to a take-up reel at the speed at which it is evaporated.