SHORT-LENGTH PLASMA-JET ENGINE WITH CLOSED-CIRCUIT ELECTRON DRIFT Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; reactive thrust generation. SUBSTANCE: facilities 31-33 and 34-38 build up magnetic field in main channel 24 of engine, radial at its lower end 225 where magnetic flux density is maximal. Minimal flux density is built up in transition zone neat anode 25 and absolute value of flux density of this field (base) increases upstream of anode 25 at plugging chamber 23 to produce magnetic mirror effect. Lines of force of magnetic field are concave downwards between anode 25 and lower end 225 which causes focusing of ions at maximum ionization density downstream of anode 25. Facilities for producing magnetic field are built up of several magnetic-field producing elements 31-33 and planar radial external and internal pole electrodes 34, 35, respectively, placed level with outlet surface on both sides of main channel 24 and interconnected by means of central core 38, yoke 36, and peripheral magnetic circuit 37 axially arranged outside main channel 24. Yoke 36 has radial members placed in immediate proximity of anode 25 so that they cross annular plugging channel 23 to form communicating spaces between annular plugging chamber 23 and main channel 24. EFFECT: improved design. 20 cl, 14 dwg