Experimental verification of plasma focusing by azimuthal current in a magnetic nozzle

Lorenzo Ferrario, Justin M. Little, Edgar Y. Choueiri

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The theoretically predicted ability of an applied azimuthal current to focus the plasma in a magnetic nozzle (MN) was investigated experimentally. The azimuthal current was induced through the Hall effect by applying a radial electric field with a pair of concentric electrodes upstream of the throat of an electron-driven magnetic nozzle fed by an RF plasma source. Spatially resolved probe measurements of plasma density and plasma potential inside the plasma source and in the external plume show that the induced azimuthal current leads to significant focusing of the plasma on the center axis, and is a far more efficient way to enhance the centerline density than increasing the RF power in the source. This opens the door to the potential use of a focusing stage to increase the thrust efficiency of magnetic nozzles by decreasing beam divergence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference 2014
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781624103032
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and exhibit 2014 - Cleveland, United States
Duration: Jul 28 2014Jul 30 2014

Publication series

Name50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference 2014

Other

Other50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and exhibit 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCleveland
Period7/28/147/30/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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