Technology and Application Aspects of Applied Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Propulsion

Abstract

Currently available or realizable applied eld magnetoplasmadynamic (AF -MPD) thrusters operating in the power range 5 -100 kW appear to be excellently suited for orbit change and stationkeeping (drag compensation) of large satellites because of their high speci c impulse, suf cient thrust, and compact geometry. They were developed to considerable maturity almost 20 years ago, but have not yet been used in space because of the lack of missions, appropriate power, and quali cation. There is evidence that these engines cannot be operated realistically in the laboratory, mainly because of the high vacuum needed to exclude unknown environmental interaction with the plume, even at very low vacua. A space experiment is needed to provide proof of I sp and ef ciency. The International Space Station now provides the opportunity to qualify the engine in space. This paper describes the application potential, performance characteristics, and technological status of the AF -MPD thruster, remaining application issues to be resolved, and a space experiment proposed to operate and investigate the engine under space-ight conditions.

Study of applied magnetic field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters with particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo collision. II. Investigation of acceleration mechanisms

“…1(b). Four major acceleration modes are considered to be effective; [19][20][21] briefly, the four modes are as follows:…”

Fully magnetized plasma flow in a magnetic nozzle

“…From the inception of the magnetic nozzle 1 (MN), there has been a growing interest in their capability to accelerate a plasma "contactlessly" in advanced electric propulsion. Examples of next-generation plasma thrusters based on MNs that are actively being developed include the Helicon Plasma Thruster 2,3 (HPT), the Electron-Cyclotron-Resonance thruster 4,5 (ECRT), the Applied-field MPD thruster 6 (AF-MPDT), and the Variable Specific Impulse Rocket (VASIMR). 7 In the usual design, a MN consists in an axisymmetric, divergent magnetic field that guides the supersonic expansion of a hot plasma jet.…”

Study of applied magnetic field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters with particle-in-cell code with Monte Carlo collision. I. Computation methods and physical processes

“…2 Due to the external source of magnetic field, AF-MPD thrusters have the advantages over SF-MPD thrusters because desirable electromagnetic accelerations are possible for a lower power level, below 100 kW. 3 The applied magnetic field is normally produced by an external coil surrounding the anode, and a variety of field configurations can be applied by changing the coil position or the coil current. Research has shown that it may be advantageous to operate MPD thrusters with axial and radial magnetic fields.…”