THE IMPACT OF REPLACING MACOR WITH SHAPAL IN RF CATHODES FOR HALL THRUSTERS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.317512507018

• Palavras-chave: Cátodo de radiofrequência, propulsor Hall, Simulação numérica térmica, nano-satélites, micro-satélites

• Keywords: Radio frequency cathode, Hall thruster, Thermal numerical simulation, Nano-satellites, Micro-satellites

• Abstract: Hall thrusters have been a cornerstone of electric propulsion for space applications, and the development of Permanent Magnet Hall Thrusters (PHALL) at the Plasma Physics Laboratory of the University of Brasília (LFP/UnB) has significantly advanced Brazil’s space program. A key challenge in Hall thruster design is ensuring that the operational temperatures remain below the Curie temperature of the permanent magnets, which are essential for their functionality. To address this, an RF cathode was developed and thermally simulated with two different dielectric materials: Macor and Shapal. Simulations conducted using ANSYS software demonstrated that Shapal, due to its superior thermal conductivity, reduced the temperature gradient significantly compared to Macor. Results indicate that replacing Macor with Shapal decreases the maximum temperature by approximately 64 °C and external surface temperature by about 18 °C, ensuring optimal operational conditions for the permanent magnets. This study highlights the importance of material selection in minimizing thermal risks in advanced electric propulsion systems.