Probe Diagnostics of Rarefied Plasma Flows from Magnetoplasmodynamic Engines

Issues of probe diagnostics of rarefied plasma flows from magnetoplasmodynamic engines (MPDE) are considered, including the use of flat and cylindrical oriented probes as well as nonstationary probes. Results are given for probe measurements in jets coming from MPDE in test stand conditions and in the Earth ionosphere. The original methods of processing probe experiments are described and used. The distribution of the electron temperature, the concentration of charged particles, and the directed flow velocity along the jet radius are obtained under test stand conditions. In the conditions of the Earth's ionosphere, the temperature of electrons, the concentration of ions and electrons in an artificial plasma formation, as well as the potential difference between the rocket body and the environment, depending on the flight time and altitude above the Earth's surface, are studied. Probe diagnostics of plasma flows allows to optimize the operating modes of this rarefied plasma source and expand the scope of its application. It can be used in semiconductor microelectronics and for solving a number of problems during space flights. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.