Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion

This book presents the fundamentals of electric propulsion and explains in detail how the two major electric thrusters in use today, namely ion and Hall thrusters, work. It is the first textbook on this subject to be published in 40 years. The book provides derivations of basic thruster equations (like the rocket equation, thrust, specific impulse, efficiency, etc. useful for electric thrusters), an introduction to plasma physics in sufficient detail to understand the models and derivations used to explain electric thruster performance, and then presents detailed explanations about how hollow cathode, plasma generators, ion accelerators, Hall thruster discharge channels, and electric thruster plumes work. The book includes extensive Appendices with supporting information on gas flow modeling, ionization cross sections and reaction rates, electron energy transfer and thermalization, etc. Finally, the book includes nearly 400 references for further reading by the students and over 60 solved homework problems aimed at improving the students familiarity and understanding of these devices.