Unified Study of Plasma-Surface Interactions for Space Power and Propulsion.
Abstract
The interaction of a high speed (10-20 km/sec) plasma flow of modest temperature (0.5-5 eV) with a solid surface is a basic phenomenon in a variety of high specific power devices, such as advanced high specific impulse thrusters. Study of the details of processes involved in the immediate vicinity of the surface is normally precluded by the very limited diagnostic access afforded in mission-oriented devices. The present research program establishes a plasma flow by means of a quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic arcjet and exposes simple solid surfaces to this flow while examining the plasma surface interaction spectroscopically. Detailed measurements provide the benchmark for theoretical modeling that may then be applied to the more complex geometries of actual plasmadynamic devices. The present report covers the development and characterization of the arcjet plasma source and the initial results from experimental diagnostics focused near the surface of a dielectric blunt body in a high speed argon flow. Keywords: Electric propulsion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 14, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA186211
Entities
People
- Peter Turchi