The Natural Electromagnetic Resonances of Test and Gas Discharge Chambers of Stationary Plasma Thrusters

Abstract

A possibility of assessing the electromagnetic emission of stationary plasma thrusters (SPTs) using standard metal vacuum chambers considering the origination of the natural resonances in the latter is studied. The primary wave modes that originate in cylindrical metal test chambers are defined and their influence on the measurement accuracy is assessed. To explain the nature of the SPT natural oscillations, the authors propose and analyze a model based on an equivalent coaxial resonator that describes resonant properties of the SPT gas discharge chamber. Analysis is made for the emission spectra of SPTs of various models. The analysis revealed coincidence of the spectrum components in frequency with the natural oscillations of the resonator that simulates the SPT gas discharge chamber.