Thrust stand for pulsed plasma thrusters

A torsional-type thrust stand has been designed and built to test pulsed plasma thrusters in both single shot and repetitive operating modes. Using this stand, momentum per pulse is determined strictly as a function of thrust stand deflection, spring stiffness, and natural frequency. No empirical corrections are required. The accuracy of the method was verified using a swinging impact pendulum. Momentum transfer data between the thrust stand and the pendulum were consistent to within 1%. Following initial calibrations, the stand was used to test a Lincoln experimental satellite (LES-8/9) thruster. The LES-8/9 system had a mass of approximately 7.5 kg, with a nominal thrust to weight ratio of 8.0×10−6. A total of 34 single shot thruster pulses was individually measured. The average impulse bit per pulse was 266 μN s, which was slightly less than the value of 300 μN s published in previous reports on this device. Repetitive pulse measurements were performed similar to ordinary steady-state thrust measuremen...