Thrust scaling in a direct wave-drive thruster

Matthew S. Feldman, Edgar Y. Choueiri

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

Abstract

The scaling of antenna-plasma momentum coupling in a Direct Wave-Drive Thruster (DWDT) was investigated analytically and experimentally in order to clarify the general thrust scaling in such an accelerator. The analytical model extends previous work by including the full dispersion relationship and predicts that thrust scales with the square of frequency and antenna current, (ωJa)2. Experimental validation was indirectly carried out using a Mach probe to measure the plasma velocity in the plume of the DWDT Experiment. The plume Mach number was measured for a constant configuration of the plasma source density and background magnetic field while varying the current and frequency of the accelerating antenna. The change in Mach number was observed to be a function of (ωJa)2 in agreement with our model’s prediction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication52nd AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 2016
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624104060
StatePublished - 2016
Event52nd AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 2016 - Salt Lake City, United States
Duration: Jul 25 2016Jul 27 2016

Publication series

Name52nd AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 2016

Other

Other52nd AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySalt Lake City
Period7/25/167/27/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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