Abstract
The concept of adding energy to an expanding supersonic flow using a microwave-sustained plasma is explored numerically by solving the complete system of both the Maxwell equations and the Navier Stokes equations for the case of an argon flow in a realistic thruster geometry. Results show that when an additional amount of power, equal to 45 % of the power deposited in the plenum, is added to the supersonic flow a toroidal plasma forms, but only a 3 % increase in specific impulse is achieved. It is concluded that future work relating to this concept should concentrate on finding ways to confine the plasma to the centerline.
Original language | English (US) |
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DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Event | 39th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit 2001 - Reno, NV, United States Duration: Jan 8 2001 → Jan 11 2001 |
Other
Other | 39th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit 2001 |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Reno, NV |
Period | 1/8/01 → 1/11/01 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Space and Planetary Science
- Aerospace Engineering