A Comparison of Theory and Measurements in the Anode Region of a Self-Field Cylindrical MPD Thruster
Abstract
The need to validate and improve numerical models of the MPD thruster flow, using detailed comparisons with experimentally determined plasma properties, is essential in the effort to improve MPD thruster efficiency. This research represents an attempt to experimentally identify trends, in the variation of plasma properties inside of a self-field MPD thruster, which could be meaningfully compared with numerical results. Experimental results, consistent with the numerical model in trend, show an axial variation of the electron temperature along the anode which exhibits a very distinctive double-peaked profile. Experimental axial profiles of the electron number density and current density were also consistent with the numerical model in trend. Such evidence, along with results of the numerical model, suggest that an oblique shock is present near the inlet, and is required to establish the radial pressure gradient so prevalent in the MPD thruster. This work marks one of the first non-trivial, successful comparisons between a numerical model and experimentally determined plasma properties inside the MPD thruster.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA436572
Entities
People
- D. L. Tilley
- E. Niewood
- M. Martinez-sanchez
- Michael S. Jolly
- S. Castillo