一种用于地面测试的电喷雾推力器多维度电流自动测量系统 Automated Multi-Dimensional Current Measurement System for Electrospray Thrusters in Ground Testing
- For slow manual tuning and sparse data (<40 points) with non-programmable HV supplies, Arduino/stepper timing simulations were supported. Modeling verified linear 0–±3500 V ramp control with synchronized triggering across polarity cycles; estimates raised points per run from 40 to 700+ and cut calibration from 4 h to 30 min (~80% efficiency gain).
- For kV-level interference and secondary-electron emission (SEE) bias, a sample–isolate–filter simulation model was co-built. Experiments verified dual-grid SEE suppression, raising plume current collection to 81%. Butterworth filtering and 1 MHz sampling models helped cut collected-current distortion by over 80%, supporting high-fidelity non-kinetic efficiency characterization.
This invention addresses high-voltage ground testing pain points for electrospray thrusters with a multi-dimensional automated current measurement system. It integrates HV supply switching, multi-channel acquisition, plume secondary-electron suppression, a vacuum chamber, and central synchronized control—mitigating weak isolation, low sampling rates, one-dimensional sensing, strong plume interference, and lack of automation with non-programmable supplies. It captures multi-path currents and microsecond-scale transients with balanced safety and accuracy, supports fully automatic unipolar/bipolar operation across all conditions, and improves throughput and data reliability for microsatellite electrospray calibration and mechanism research.