Physics
Scientific paper
Jan 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991aipc..217..501b&link_type=abstract
Proceedings of the eighth symposium on space nuclear power systems. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 217, pp. 501-506 (1991).
Physics
Lunar, Planetary, And Deep-Space Probes, Ion And Plasma Propulsion
Scientific paper
A method of electric propulsion is presented where low temperature ionized gases containing internal electric currents (called plasmoids) are formed and expanded down a diverging electrically conducting nozzle. The toroidal electric current provides a confining magnetic field which holds the plasma in a torus shape. Image currents in the nozzle wall keep the plamoids from contacting the wall. The mutual repulsion between the wall current and the current in the plasmoid generates the thrust. During the expansion of the plasma both the inductive and thermal energies are converted to directed kinetic energies, producing thrust. Since most of the energy is inductive, losses due to dissociation and ionization are small. Specific impulses can be in the 5000 to 20000 s range with thrusts from 1.0 to 5000 N, depending on available power. A wide variety of propellants appear possible including hydrogen, lithium, nitrogen, sodium, and possibly aluminum, silicon, and sulfur. The high specific impulse is possible even with the higher atomic number propellants. This feature greatly eases propellant storage requirements and may allow use of indigenous propellants available at the destination. Because the option may exist to form these plasmoids inductively, electrodes can be eliminated, providing the long service life required for planetary missions.
Baker Dan R.
Bourque Robert F.
Parks Paul B.
No associations
LandOfFree
Pulsed plasmoid electric thruster does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Pulsed plasmoid electric thruster, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pulsed plasmoid electric thruster will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1894705