ECR-GDM Thruster for Fusion Propulsion

Journal Article · Mon Mar 16 00:00:00 EDT 2009 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3115487· OSTI ID:21293367

Brainerd, Jerome J; Reisz, Al ^[1]

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1. Reisz Engineers 2909 Johnson Rd. Huntsville, Alabama 35805 256-325-2531 (United States)

The concept of the Gasdynamic Mirror (GDM) device for fusion propulsion was proposed by and Lee (1995) over a decade ago and several theoretical papers has supported the feasibility of the concept. A new ECR plasma source has been built to supply power to the GDM experimental thruster previously tested at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The new plasma generator, powered by microwaves at 2.45 or 10 GHz. is currently being tested. This ECR plasma source operates in a number of distinct plasma modes, depending upon the strength and shape of the local magnetic field. Of particular interest is the compact plasma jet issuing form the plasma generator when operated in a mirror configuration. The measured velocity profile in the jet plume is bimodal, possibly as a result of the GDM effect in the ECR chamber of the thruster.

• OSTI ID: 21293367
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1103, Issue 1; Conference: SPESIF-2009: International technical forum on space, propulsion and energy sciences, Huntsville, AL (United States), 24-26 Feb 2009; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3115487; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ECR HEATING
GHZ RANGE
ION PROPULSION
ION THRUSTERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
PLASMA
PLASMA JETS
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
SPACE FLIGHT
VELOCITY