Performance-Limiting Factors in MPD Thrusters.
Abstract
The following results: (a) A theoretical formulation of the flow of plasma in a variable area accelerator under conditions where the voltage is dominated by the back e.m.f., showing novel features akin to those found in ordinary gas dynamics, but with the magnetoacoustic speed playing the controlling role. (b) A numerical model of an axisymmetric MPD thruster of realistic geometry with fully coupled gas and electrodynamic effects, but limited by numerical difficulties to conditions well below onset. (c) design and construction of test channels to investigate the effects predicted by the above theories, and (d) Generation of a limited computerized MPD data predicted by the above theories, and (e) Generation of a limited computerized MPD data base. Keywords: Magnetoplasmadynamic thruster; Electric propulsion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185605
Entities
People
- Manuel Martinez-sanchez
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology