A Colloid Engine Accelerator Concept Update
Abstract
A concept for a colloid engine with an electrodynamic linear accelerator is described. The charged particle source is a standard colloid engine with an extractor voltage that has an AC component Downstream of the extractor, a series of accelerator gates are biased alternately with an AC voltage such that the charged droplets tend to remain in regions with positive electric fields. Since the droplet speed varies with their position in the accelerator, and the alternating voltage is of a constant frequency, the gate spacing must change with length. This variation in gate spacing may be determined analytically. This paper attempts to predict some of the potential performance advantages and disadvantages of such an engine through both mission analysis and first-order force analysis. In addition, the qualitative manufacturing and design performance sensitivities are investigated. Preliminary testing issues as well as higher level design ideas are explored, with special attention to potential problem areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA410870
Entities
People
- D. Kirtley
- J. M. Fife