Editing Pulsed plasma thruster (section)

== Operation ==
[[File:SchematiclayoutofaPulsedPlasmaThruster.png|thumb|Schematic layout of a Pulsed Plasma Thruster]]
Most PPTs use a solid material (normally [[Polytetrafluoroethylene|PTFE]], more commonly known as Teflon) for [[propellant]], although very few use liquid or gaseous propellants. The first stage in PPT operation involves an [[electric arc|arc of electricity]] passing through the fuel, causing [[ablation]] and [[Sublimation (phase transition)|sublimation]] of the fuel. The heat generated by this arc causes the resultant gas to turn into [[plasma (physics)|plasma]], thereby creating a charged gas cloud. Due to the force of the ablation, the plasma is propelled at low speed between two charged plates (an [[anode]] and [[cathode]]). Since the plasma is charged, the fuel effectively completes the circuit between the two plates, allowing a current to flow through the plasma. This flow of electrons generates a strong electromagnetic field which then exerts a [[Lorentz force]] on the plasma, accelerating the plasma out of the PPT exhaust at high velocity.<ref name = NASAPPT/> Its mode of operation is similar to a [[railgun]]. The pulsing occurs due to the time needed to recharge the plates following each burst of fuel, and the time between each arc. The frequency of pulsing is normally very high and so it generates an almost continuous and smooth thrust. While the thrust is very low, a PPT can operate continuously for extended periods of time, yielding a large final speed.

The energy used in each pulse is stored in a capacitor.<ref name = THE_ENGINEER>{{cite web|url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace/news/plasma-thrusters-could-double-the-lifetime-of-mini-satellites/1011817.article|title=Plasma thrusters could double the lifetime of mini satellites|work=[[The Engineer (UK magazine)]]|access-date=2020-06-27}}</ref> By varying the time between each capacitor discharge, the thrust and power draw of the PPT can be varied allowing versatile use of the system.<ref name = SURREY_UNI/>