Investigation of the impact of magnetic field intensity on the multimode operational characteristics of kilowatt-class double-stage anode layer Hall thrusters utilizing krypton

To investigate the effect of magnetic field intensity on the discharge characteristics of three distinct operational modes (first-stage mode, second-stage mode, and double-stage mode), this study designs a kilowatt-class double-stage anode layer thruster employing krypton with a hybrid-produced magnetic field. Experiments and particle-in-cell simulations are conducted based on this design. The experimental background pressure ranges from 3.4 × 10−3 to 3.8 × 10−3 Pa. Results indicate that both the second-stage anode mode and double-stage mode achieve a maximum thrust of 42 mN, specific impulse of 2400 s, and anode efficiency of 42% at 30 SCCM. In contrast, the first-stage anode mode requires 35 SCCM (16.7% higher flow rate) to attain equivalent thrust, with peak performance reducing to 1900s specific impulse and 41% efficiency. Numerical simulations reveal electron number densities of 1.3–2.6 × 1018 m−3 during discharge. Both single-stage modes exhibit optimal magnetic field intensity ranges of 387–487 Gs. The second-stage anode mode demonstrates a narrowing optimal magnetic field range with increasing discharge voltage, while the first-stage mode maintains stable operational parameters. For the double-stage mode, magnetic flux density selection exhibits voltage dependence: Acceleration voltages exceeding 350 V threshold require stronger magnetic fields (437 Gs) to maintain performance compared to 387 Gs configurations. This threshold behavior emphasizes the necessity of high-voltage and high-magnetic-field-intensity synergy in double-stage optimization.