Unified Study of Plasma-Surface Interactions for Space Power and Propulsion
Abstract
A study is made of interaction between plasmas, whose parameters are typical of high specific power, high specific impulse devices, and various conducting and insulating surfaces. This study is carried out using metallic and dielectric surfaces arranged perpendicular (facing upstream and downstream) and parallel to phenomena, when they have been investigated at all, have been studied under the parameter constraints of particular devices, usually under conditions of poor diagnostic accessibility. The present study is carried out under conditions that allow better diagnostic examination of the plasma-surface region with the ability to vary plasma parameters, flow relative to the samples, electrical conduction to the (metal) samples, etc. The aim is to delineate the basic physics of plasma-surface interaction under conditions applicable to the design of space power and propulsion systems. The arcjet will be installed and tested; the downstream plasma flow will be examined and its parameters (temperature, composition, density, flow velocity, etc.) will be correlated with the variation in the discharge energy and other parameter of the thruster.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA192043