We describe the micro-thrust automatic measurement system of stationary plasma thruster in the article, The system can carry a thruster and power supply less than 3kg weight. Thrust capacity is from 1 to 100 mN,and thrust expend uncertainty is 0.2 mN（k=2）.The system is based on the torsion balance principle. The thrust of the thruster makes torque to the pivot. This torque is balanced by the electromagnetic compensate torque generated by the measurement system. The rotation angle of this system is measured by the position sensor, the electromagnetic interference single comes from the speed sensor, the electromagnetic compensate torque is from the torque sensor. This is a closed circuit and automatic measurement system. The additional forces generated by the weight, the air supply system and the wires of the thruster have been separated from the micro-thrust in this system. The influence of deadweight, air supply system and power supply system of thruster on exact measurement of micro-thrust have been eliminated, so micro-thrust of thruster can be measured precisely and automatically.

Date Published: 31 January 2013
PDF: 3 pages
Proc. SPIE 8759, Eighth International Symposium on Precision Engineering Measurement and Instrumentation, 87591W (31 January 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2015909

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8759:
Eighth International Symposium on Precision Engineering Measurement and Instrumentation
Jie Lin, Editor(s)