Dan M. Goebel & Ira Katz 
Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion [PDF ebook] 
Ion and Hall Thrusters

Note from the Series Editor.
Foreword.
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Chapter 1: Introduction.
1.1 Electric Propulsion Background.
1.2 Electric Thruster Types.
1.3 Ion Thruster Geometry.
1.4 Hall Thruster Geometry.
1.5 Beam/Plume Characteristics.
References.
Chapter 2: Thruster Principles.
2.1 The Rocket Equation.
2.2 Force Transfer in Ion and Hall Thrusters.
2.3 Thrust.
2.4 Specific Impulse.
2.5 Thruster Efficiency.
2.6 Power Dissipation.
2.7 Neutral Densities and Ingestion in Electric Thrusters.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 3: Basic Plasma Physics.
3.1 Introduction.
3.2 Maxwell’s Equations.
3.3 Single Particle Motions.
3.4 particle Energies and Velocities.
3.5 Plasma as a Fluid.
3.6 Diffusion in Partially Ionized Gases.
3.7 Sheaths at the Boundaries of Plasmas.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 4: Ion Thruster Plasma Generators.
4.1 Introduction.
4.2 Idealized Ion Thruster Plasma Generator.
4.3 DC Discharge Ion Thruster.
4.4 Kaufman Ion Thrusters.
4.5 rf Ion Thrusters.
4.6 Microwave Ion Thrusters.
4.7 2-D Computer Models of the Ion Thruster Discharge
Chamber.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 5: Ion Thruster Accelerator Grids.
5.1 Grid Configurations.
5.2 Ion Accelerator Basics.
5.3 Ion Optics.
5.4 Electron Backstreaming.
5.5 High-Voltage Considerations.
5.6 Ion Accelerator Grid Life.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 6: Hollow Cathodes.
6.1 Introduction.
6.2 Cathode Configurations.
6.3 Thermionic Electron Emitter Characteristics.
6.4 Insert Region Plasma.
6.5 Orifice Region Plasma.
6.6 Hollow cathode Thermal Models.
6.7 Cathode Plume-Region Plasma.
6.8 Hollow Cathode Life.
6.9 Keeper Wear and Life.
6.10 Hollow Cathode Operation.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 7: Hall Thrusters.
7.1 Introduction.
7.2 Thruster Operating Principles and Scaling.
7.3 Hall Thruster Performance Models.
7.4 Channel Physics and Numerical Modeling.
7.5 Hall Thruster Life.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 8: Ion and Hall Thruster Plumes.
8.1 Introduction.
8.2 Plume Physics.
8.3 Plume Models.
8.4 Spacecraft Interactions.
8.5 Interactions with Payloads.
References.
Problems.
Chapter 9: Flight Ion and Hall Thrusters.
9.1 Introduction.
9.2 Ion Thrusters.
9.3 Hall Thrusters.
References.
Appendices.
A: Nomenclature.
B: Gas Flow Unit Conversions and Cathode Pressure Estimates.
C: Energy Loss by Electrons.
D: Ionization and Excitation Cross Sections for Xenon.
E: Ionization and Excitation Reaction Rates for Xenon in
Maxwellian Plasmas.
F: Electron Relaxation and Thermalization Times.
G: Clausing Factor Monte Carlo Calculation.
Index..

Dan M. Goebel, Ph D, is a Senior Research Scientist in the
Advanced Propulsion Technology Group at JPL in Pasadena,
California. Since joining JPL in 2003, he has worked on the
development of high-efficiency ion thrusters, advanced long life
cathodes and grids, and electric-thruster life models for deep
space missions. He is a world-recognized expert in ion thrusters,
cathodes, advanced plasma sources, microwave sources, high-voltage
engineering, and pulsed power switches.?
Ira Katz, Ph D, has led the Advanced Propulsion Technology
Group at NASA JPL since 2001. Group accomplishments during his
tenure include the development and testing of the 25 k W NEXIS ion
thruster, successful completion of the world’s longest electric
thruster life test, development of technology and support for
precision formation flying missions (ST7, Lisa, TPF-I), and
laboratory investigations and computer modeling of fundamental
electric propulsion physics. Dr. Katz is recognized as a world
leader in computer modeling of spacecraft-plasma interactions,
spacecraft charging, and ion thruster physics.