Nonlinear phenomena in nonequilibrium molecular plasma flows
Abstract
We propose a three-year research project to understand how non-equilibrium plasma chemistry influences the nonlinear behavior of partially magnetized molecular plasma flows. A primary challenge in the develop-ment of multi-mode (chemical and electric) propulsion systems is understanding and controlling the complex plasma chemistry inherent to electric thruster operation on molecular propellant. Propellant molecules are subject to a variety of reactions, including excitation, dissociation, ionization, and dissociative recombination. However, knowledge of the different reaction rates is often incomplete. Furthermore, the characteristic residence time of the propellant in the thruster can be on the order of the dominant reaction timescales. As a result, the plasma does not reach equilibrium, making thruster behavior and performance highly sensitive to plasma density, temperature, and geometry. Adding to this complexity are a variety of nonlinear phenomena that can drive turbulence and mode transitions in the plasma.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502510028
Entities
People
- Justin M. Little
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Washington