Rl. Burton et Sa. Bufton, EXIT-PLANE ELECTROSTATIC-PROBE MEASUREMENTS OF A LOW-POWER ARCJET, Journal of propulsion and power, 12(6), 1996, pp. 1099-1106
Improved understanding of the flow processes in a 1-kW hydrazine const
ricted arcjet is achieved with multiple electrostatic probe surveys in
the exit-plane region of the plume. Quadruple, triple, and single ele
ctrostatic probe techniques are utilized for measurements of the elect
ron temperature T-e, density n(e), and ratio of ion axial velocity to
most probable thermal speed u(i)/c(m,H+). Centerline axial profiles of
T-e and n(e) are presented for 2.2-6.2 mm downstream of the exit-plan
e, yielding T-e = 6600 K +/- 15% and n(e) = 3.6 x 10(12) cm(-3) +/- 60
% close to the thruster exit. Quadruple probe theory is modified to ac
count for radial gradients in T-e and n(e) over the probe radial dimen
sion, and is used to extract exit-plane radial T-e and n(e) profiles.
Floating probe measurements yield estimates of the radial electric-fie
ld profile at the thruster exit, implying a small amount of current an
d ohmic heating downstream of the exit-plane.