Axial force imparted by a conical radiofrequency magneto-plasma thruster

Journal Article · Mon Mar 12 00:00:00 EDT 2012 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3694281· OSTI ID:22025469

Charles, C; Takahashi, K; Boswell, R W ^[1]

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1. Space Plasma, Power and Propulsion Laboratory, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, ACT 0200 (Australia)

Direct thrust measurements of a low pressure ({approx}0.133 Pa) conical radiofrequency (rf at 13.56 MHz) argon plasma source show a total axial force of about 5 mN for an effective rf power of 650 W and a maximum magnetic field of 0.018 T, of which a measured value of 2.5 mN is imparted by the magnetic nozzle. A simplified model of thrust including contributions from the electron pressure and from the magnetic field pressure is developed. The magnetic nozzle is modelled as a ''physical'' nozzle of increasing cross-sectional area.

• OSTI ID: 22025469
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 100, Issue 11; Other Information: (c) 2012 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ARGON
ELECTRONS
ION PROPULSION
ION THRUSTERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MHZ RANGE
NOZZLES
PLASMA
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLASMA PRESSURE
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION