Coaxial plasma thrusters for high specific impulse propulsionA fundamental basis for coaxial plasma thruster performance is presented and the steady-state, ideal MHD properties of a coaxial thruster using an annular magnetic nozzle are discussed. Formulas for power usage, thrust, mass flow rate, and specific impulse are acquired and employed to assess thruster performance. The performance estimates are compared with the observed properties of an unoptimized coaxial plasma gun. These comparisons support the hypothesis that ideal MHD has an important role in coaxial plasma thruster dynamics.Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Schoenberg, Kurt F. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Gerwin, Richard A. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Barnes, Cris W. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Henins, Ivars (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Mayo, Robert (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Moses, Ronald, Jr. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Scarberry, Richard (Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States) Wurden, Glen (Los Alamos National Laboratory NM, United States) Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1991
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power Distribution Limits
Public
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