DENSITY-TIME PROFILES FOR AN ELECTRIC PROPULSION UNIT EFFLUX.
Abstract
The initial particle densities obtained from present electrical propulsion units indicate that, at altitudes between 50 and 200 miles, the decay of density in the efflux may be obtained using a diffusion approach, numerical density-time pro files are given. When initial particle densities are less than 10 to the 12th power ions/cc the ef s of recombination and ionisation are shown to be negligible, the efflux remaining fully ionised. The results are compared with those obtained by Molmud for free molecular flow and the difference between the two approaches is ex plained. The effects of such highly ionised exhausts on radio communications between space vehicles and ground stations are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0413509
Entities
People
- I.r. Mcnab
- P.c. Mcneill