Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics
An experimental and numerical investigation of ion beam deflection by grid translation was performed. The ion beam deflection technique is useful for ion thrusters because it can eliminate the need for conventional gimbaling devices and thus reduce propulsion system mass. High repeatability in beam deflection characteristics was produced by a grid translation mechanism consisting of a piezoelectric motor and carbon-based grids. A numerical simulation reproduced the beam deflection characteristics both qualitatively and quantitatively. The maximum beam deflection angles obtained were comparable to those from ordinary gimbaling devices. Therefore, beam deflection by grid translation is a promising method to direct the thrust vector of ion thrusters.