Effects of Scaling on the Performance of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters
Abstract
A combined theoretical and empirical numerical model was developed which predicts the performance of continuous electrode coaxial magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters as a function of thruster dimensions, mass flow rate, and input current. This model was used to predict the effects of scaling on these thrusters. The model predicts that for scaling factors down to one- half, relations can be found relating the performance of one thruster to another. The model was used to examine these relationships for four different thruster configurations over a broad range of operating currents. The thrusters examined consisted of two geometries and their half scale counterparts. A conclusion from the analysis is that scaling down the size of the thruster by 50% can reduce the total power input by 30% to 40% at comparable efficiencies. However, this is at the cost of increasing the specific impulse by a factor of two which may render the thruster inappropriate for the intended missions. Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215690
Entities
People
- Wayne M. Schmidt
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School