Ion acoustic wave characterization in a moving plasma to find bulk flow velocity

The bulk flow velocity is an important parameter in characterizing moving plasmas, such as electric propulsion plasma plumes. The bulk flow velocity can be found directly through interpretation of the propagating characteristics of an ion acoustic wave. This method of measuring flow velocity relies only on knowledge of the propagation of ion acoustic waves in a plasma, and not on a model of the probe-plasma interaction. A simple electrostatic probe is used where the probe diameter is much smaller than a Debye length. This paper presents flow velocity results of a stationary plasma thruster using this technique and compare them with measurements using an RPA.

Duke Scholars

Author Alec Gallimore Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...