The influence of magnetic shielding technique on the magnetic field topology in an accelerating channel of the Hall-effect thruster

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.354694

Keywords:

Hall-effect thruster, magnetic shielding, magnetic field topology, acceleration channel, simulation

Abstract

This study investigates magnetic system in the ST-40-type Hall-effect thruster and its modification with magnetic shielding of the accelerating channel. The task addressed relates to the lack of systematic quantitative data on the influence of magnetic shielding techniques on the topology of the magnetic field in the channel. The associated parameters that affect the erosion of the walls and the stability of the engine operating modes remain undefined.

This work reports mathematical modeling of the magnetic field topology for the engine of the classical scheme and two variants of magnetic shielding: with an external magnetic shield and using a magnetically soft hollow anode. Spatial distributions of the radial component of the field induction were determined and induction gradients along the axis of the accelerating channel were derived. It is shown that for the classical scheme the maximum induction gradient is about 0.67 T/m. The external magnetic shield increases it to 1.17 T/m, and the hollow anode – to 1.29 T/m, that is, 1.7–1.9 times.

The results are explained by a change in magnetic resistance and redistribution of magnetic flux, which leads to deformation of the lines of force, their orientation along the dielectric walls of the channel, and removal of the maximum magnetic field induction beyond the engine section. A distinctive feature of this study is a direct quantitative comparison of the magnetic field topology for different design schemes on a single geometric and current basis, which made it possible to objectively assess the effectiveness of each variant of magnetic shielding.

The implementation of results is possible in the design and optimization of magnetic systems of Hall engines of medium power class under conditions close to laboratory and ground tests. Their application could contribute to reducing erosion, increasing discharge stability, and increasing the resource

Author Biographies

Olexandr Petrenko, Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department of Cyber Security and Computer-Integrated Technologies

Viktor Pererva, Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

PhD, Associate Professor

Department of Rocket and Space and Innovative Technologies

References

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The influence of magnetic shielding technique on the magnetic field topology in an accelerating channel of the Hall-effect thruster

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Petrenko, O., & Pererva, V. (2026). The influence of magnetic shielding technique on the magnetic field topology in an accelerating channel of the Hall-effect thruster. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2(5 (140), 6–13. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.354694

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 5 (140) (2026): Applied physics

Section

Applied physics

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Copyright (c) 2026 Olexandr Petrenko, Viktor Pererva

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