Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998aps..dppr8m201d&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, Division of Plasma Physics Meeting, November 16-20, 1998 New Orleans, LA, abstract #R8M.2.01
Physics
Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
The VASIMR system consists of an RF-heated plasma in a weak asymmetric magnetic mirror. The system also features a magnetic nozzle and resembles more a plasma power amplifier than a conventional plasma containment device. Variable thrust and specific impulse can be derived from such a system by modulation of the plasma density, temperature, and possibly the magnetic field. In 1998, theoretical and experimental research has advanced. In the theoretical area, Monte Carlo particle dynamics codes are being refined to study the plasma behavior in the heating region as well as the magnetic nozzle. At the same time, complementary MHD fluid models are also being developed. Ion cyclotron resonance absorption is also being evaluated in the context of various magnetic configurations. In the experimental area, a helicon plasma source is being characterized in our laboratory under various magnetic configurations in search of optimized RF plasma coupling. A diagnostics set characterizes the plasma conditions within the device and at the exhaust. Performance characteristics, and advantages over other rocket technologies are presented in the context of a mission to the planet Mars.
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