Microwave Plasma Propulsion Systems for Defensive Counter-Space
Abstract
The key result from this project period was measurement of plasma acceleration in both over-dense and under-dense modes with the former generating high ion currents in the 12-60 eVbeam energy range and the latter generating plasma in the 50-500 eV range. As hypothesized in the Phase I proposal, resonantly exciting electrons near the peak of the magnetic nozzle expansion region leads to large am bipolar field generation and quasi-static ion acceleration.Variation in propellant mass flow and magnetic field produce observable changes in downstreamion energy. Interpretation of published literature on ECR-plasma Monte Carlo simulations suggests that high jet power efficiency exceeding 65%, rivaling modem Hall-Effect Thrusters!
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- AD1026589
Entities
People
- Brian E. Jurczyk