Physical Process in MPD Plasmas (Annual Report)
Abstract
Magnetoplasmadynamic, or MPD, thrusters are a promising method of propulsion for a variety of different space missions. This research develops and analyzes a numerical simulation of a quasi one dimensional model for an MPD thruster. A finite difference scheme is used to integrate the fluid equations for each species and a magnetic field equation derived from Maxwell's laws. The model includes separate electron and heavy species temperatures, varying conductivity, varying ionization fraction, collisional energy transfer between heavy particles and electrons, averaged viscosity and ambipolar diffusion, and electron heat conduction. Both constant area and variable area channels are examined. The applied current in the cases studied ranges from 79.6 kAmp/meter depth to 159 kAmp/meter depth for an inlet mass flow of 0.5 kg/sqm sec. It is shown that thermal equilibrium is not a valid assumption in a typical thruster. It is also found that viscosity plays a significant role in determining thruster performance. Area variation is also found to have a significant effect on performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA213679
Entities
People
- Daniel Hastings
- Manuel Martinez-sanchez
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology