Abstract: A flux-balanced magnetic circuit for an electric propulsion (EP) system is presented. The magnetic circuit includes a magnetic core with a thickness profile that is configured to equalize the magnetic flux conducted through a magnetically permeable material of magnetic elements of the magnetic core, including an inner pole, an outer pole, an inner screen, and outer screen, and a baseplate. According to one aspect, equalization of the magnetic flux is provided for operation of the magnetic circuit in a linear regime and a nonlinear regime. According to another aspect, the thickness profile includes a region with varying thickness. According to another aspect, the thickness profile in the region with varying thickness is configured to follow shape and/or contour of magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux. According to another aspect, the curvature and/or slope is configured to increase a material thickness in a region of higher magnetic flux density.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a low cost and simple to manufacture gas distributor for use as an anode in an electric propulsion (EP) system are presented. According to one aspect, the gas distributor is a single integrated structure made of a single material, including graphite or steel. The gas distributor includes an annular shape with axial symmetry about a center axis. The gas distributor includes an upstream gas channel region and a downstream gas diffuser region. The gas channel region includes a circumferential hollow region, and two sets of axial holes arranged at respective radial positions. A radial cross section of the gas distributor includes an upstream opening corresponding to the hollow region of the gas channel region and a downstream triangular shape corresponding to the gas diffuser region. A radial extension of the triangular shape axially interferes with the two sets of axial holes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a low cost and simple to manufacture gas distributor for use as an anode in an electric propulsion (EP) system are presented. According to one aspect, the gas distributor is a single integrated structure made of a single material, including graphite or steel. The gas distributor includes an annular shape with axial symmetry about a center axis. The gas distributor includes an upstream gas channel region and a downstream gas diffuser region. The gas channel region includes a circumferential hollow region, and two sets of axial holes arranged at respective radial positions. A radial cross section of the gas distributor includes an upstream opening corresponding to the hollow region of the gas channel region and a downstream triangular shape corresponding to the gas diffuser region. A radial extension of the triangular shape axially interferes with the two sets of axial holes.

Abstract: A high-power density electric propulsion (EP) system is presented. High-power density functionality of the EP system is provided via thermal management structures that separately manage heat from a discharge chamber with electrically conductive inner/outer walls and an electromagnetic circuit of the EP system. The thermal management structures include separate radiators for rejection of heat from the discharge chamber and the electromagnetic circuit, the heat coupled to the radiators via respective thermal shunts. The thermal shunts include radially inwardly and/or outwardly projecting heat conducting structures that are thermally coupled to the discharge chamber and the electromagnetic circuit. Openings formed in annular structures of the electromagnetic circuit allow radial projection of the thermal shunts.