MPD thruster technologyMPD thrusters have demonstrated between 2000 and 7000 sec specific impulse at efficiencies approaching 40 percent, and have been operated continuously at power levels over 500 kW. These demonstrated capabilities, combined with the simplicity and robustness of the thruster, make them attractive candidates for application to both unmanned and manned orbit raising, lunar, and planetary missions. This work reviews the present status of MPD thruster research, including developments in the measured performance levels and electrode erosion rates, and theoretical studies of the thruster dynamics. Significant progress has been made in establishing empirical scaling laws, performance and lifetime limitations, and in the development of numerical codes to simulate the flowfield and the electrode processes.
Document ID
19910067821
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Myers, Roger M. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Lapointe, Michael R. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland; Sverdrup Technology, Inc., Brook Park, OH, United States)
Mantenieks, Maris A. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)