Ionization and Acceleration of N2/O2 Mixtures for Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion

Abstract

The objective of the proposed research is to create a model-based approach to the ionization of molecular propellants with varying composition as well as predictive lifetime modeling capability for insulating materials in the presence of ionized air, by investigating plasma properties, ionic species, and propellant utilization of a broad range of air composition mixtures and densities that mimic those expect in very low orbit conditions, and develop an erosion model that address the limitation of our current model by developing physics-based simulations of the thermomechanical failure of quartz and other insulating materials due to impact of ionized molecules.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jan 21, 2022
Source ID
FA95502110050XX0

Entities

People

  • Mitchell L R Walker

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Georgia Tech Research Corporation
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Rocket Propulsion.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster