Oscillation Reduction of an AnodeLayerType Hall Thruster by Azimuthal Propellantonuniformity

Discharge current oscillation in the frequency range of 10�100 kHz causes serious problems in using anode layer type Hall thrusters in space. As a novel approach to stabilize the discharge, azimuthally nonuniform propellant flow was created in an acceleration channel. A plenum chamber and hollow anodes were azimuthally divided into two or four sections and xenon flow rates supplied to them were controlled. As a result, the oscillation