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Free radical propulsion conceptThe concept of a free radical propulsion system, utilizing the recombination energy of dissociated low molecular weight gases to produce thrust, is analyzed. The system, operating at a theoretical impulse with hydrogen, as high as 2200 seconds at high thrust to power ratio, is hypothesized to bridge the gap between chemical and electrostatic propulsion capabilities. A comparative methodology is outlined by which characteristics of chemical and electric propulsion for orbit raising mission can be investigated. It is noted that free radicals proposed in rockets previously met with difficulty and complexity in terms of storage requirements; the present study proposes to eliminate the storage requirements by using electric energy to achieve a continuous-flow product of free radicals which are recombined to produce a high velocity propellant. Microwave energy used to dissociate a continuously flowing gas is transferred to the propellant via three-body-recombination for conversion to propellant kinetic energy. Microwave plasma discharge was found in excess of 90 percent over a broad range of pressure in preliminary experiments, and microwave heating compared to electrothermal heating showed much higher temperatures in gasdynamic equations.
Document ID
19810048501
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hawkins, C. E.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Nakanishi, S.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1981
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 81-0676
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Country: US
Start Date: April 21, 1981
End Date: April 23, 1981
Sponsors: AIAA, Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences, DGLR
Accession Number
81A32905
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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