Experimental measurements in a radio frequency discharge heated supersonic flow: Evaluation of a potential electric propulsion thruster
An operational radio frequency discharge-driven supersonic flow system, which utilizes an inductively and capacitively coupled plasma (ICCP) tube to produce high enthalpy source gas, is described. The ICCP coupled to a properly designed nozzle represents a potential electric propulsion device. The high gas temperatures achieved in the plasma discharge (> 5000 K) and the electrodeless nature of the tube's operation offers potentially high thruster performance coupled and long operational lifetime. A preliminary characterization of the current system was established using emission and probe-based measurements. A nominal peak specific impulse of 155 s was estimated for operation with argon. The calculated thrust based upon the peak velocity and mass flow through the device is 1.1 N. 14 refs., 10 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5280913
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-91-2800; CONF-9109226-12; ON: DE91018007
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: AIAA/NASA/OAI conference on advanced SEI technologies, Cleveland, OH (United States), 3-4 Sep 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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