Transport Properties of Plasmas in Microwave Electrothermal Thrusters
Abstract
The microwave electrothermal thruster is a potential propulsion system for spacecraft applications such as platform station keeping. It is a thruster which allows no contact between the electrodes and the propellant. For this thruster, the electromagnetic energy is transferred to the electrons in the plasma region of the propellant using the TM011 and TM012 modes of a microwave cavity system. The collisional processes by the electrons with the propellant causes transfer of the energy. Work was done to study these processes using several diagnostic techniques - calorimetry, photography, and spectroscopy. Experimental results of these techniques for nitrogen and helium gases are included. These diagnostic techniques are important in understanding plasma phenomena and designing practical plasma rocket thrusters. In addition, a broad theoretical background is included to provide a fundamental description of the plasma phenomena. Electric propulsion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219408
Entities
People
- Scott S. Haraburda