PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF A MAGNETIC ANNULAR ARC,
Abstract
The magnetic annular arc (MAARC) is an axisymmetric Hall current plasma accelerator. Data is presented which were obtained with various propellants for input powers ranging between 10 and 100 kW. Between specific impulses of 3000 sec and 4000 sec, thrust efficiencies in excess of 50% have been achieved. The current-voltage characteristics of the magnetic annular arc are established and a qualitative explanation of their nature is presented. The overall arc voltage is shown to be a unique function of the applied bias magnetic field strength for a given propellant and magnetic field geometry. A partial theory for this effect is developed. The functional dependence of the thrust on applied bias magnetic field strength and geometry at constant input power and propellant mass flow rate is described. Data is presented on thermal efficiency obtained from heat balances and estimates are made of the value of omega x tau and the effect of ion slip in this device. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0613634
Entities
People
- A. M. Schneiderman
- R. M. Patrick