Basic Processes of Plasma Propulsion.

Abstract

This report describes the research work on cathode phenomena and presents the development work and the results of several model calculations by means of which the performance of coaxial MPD thrusters can be predicted. Electrode effects like spot formation and spot motion can cause high erosion on the cathode and backplate of an MPD thruster. These effects are qualitatively and partially quantitatively explained by means of a unique theoretical approach. By means of these performance calculations the onset conditions were calculated based on the fact that due to magnetic contraction (pinch effect) the plasma density becomes zero at the anode (onset theory of Hugel). The results of these calculations are in excellent agreement with those of the experiments. Keywords: Magnetoplasmadynamic thruster, Electrode phenomena, Flow arc discharge, Calculations, Onset.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA192117

Entities

People

  • Herbert O. Schrade

Organizations

  • University of Stuttgart

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Differential Equations
  • Electric Arcs
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electromagnetic Properties
  • Flow
  • Flow Rate
  • Heat Flux
  • High Pressure
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters
  • Mass Flow
  • Measurement
  • Pinch Effect
  • Pressure Distribution
  • Thrust
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster