CLOSED-ELECTRON-DRIFT PLASMA-JET ENGINE Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; electric-rocket, stationary plasma-jet, and anode-layer engines. SUBSTANCE: engine has discharge chamber 1 with ionization and acceleration zones formed by inner and outer walls 2 and 3 that accommodates gas-distributing anode 4; magnetic system incorporating internal and external poles 5 and 6; magnetic circuit 7 with internal and external magnetic shields 8 and 9 mounted in a spaced relation to opposing magnetic poles; internal and external magnetizing-force sources 10 and 11; and at least one compensating cathode 12; magnetic system is provided in addition with internal magnetizing-force source 13 inserted between internal and external magnetic shields at point where internal magnetic shield is joined with magnetic circuit; this source is connected so that additional magnetic flux it builds up reduces main magnetic flux within discharge chamber. Magnetic system may be additionally provided with external magnetizing-force source 13 placed between internal and external magnetic shields at joint between external magnetic shield and magnetic circuit and connected so that additional magnetic flux it builds up reduces main magnetic flux within discharge chamber. Magnetic circuit may be provided with double-section frame 15 mounting additional internal and external magnetizing-force sources in such a manner that internal and external sources are disposed in internal and external sections of frame, respectively. EFFECT: reduced variations of current and plasma-jet divergence angle which enhances engine efficiency. 3 cl, 4 dwg