Analysis of azimuthal electron current driving by rotating magnetic field in field-reversed configuration electric propulsion

Abstract

Field-reversed configuration electric propulsion is an advanced space electromagnetic propulsion technology with significant application prospects but poor thrust performance. To delve into the intrinsic physical mechanisms, a model of the rotating magnetic field penetrating into the plasma and azimuthal electron current driving was developed. The simulation results show that rotating magnetic field strength, frequency, and initial seed plasma density are the key factors that exist as an optimal threshold. Specifically, the rotating magnetic field feed current (i.e., magnetic field strength) was not less than 1000 A, the rotating magnetic field frequency was ∼200–300 kHz, and the plasma density was approximately 1 × 1018 m−3 order of magnitude.