Advancements in Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) for Space Propulsion

Journal Article · Sun Feb 06 04:00:00 EST 2005 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1867170· OSTI ID:20630581

Thomas, Robert ^[1]; Yang, Yang; Miley, G H ^[2]; Mead, F B ^[3]

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1. Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 (United States)
2. Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-- Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 (United States)
3. AFRL/PRSP, 10 E. Saturn Blvd., Edwards AFB CA 93524-7680 (United States)

The development of a dense plasma focus (DPF) propulsion device using p-11B is described. A propulsion system of this type is attractive because of its high thrust-to-weight ratio capabilities at high specific impulses. From a fuel standpoint, p-11B is advantageous because of the aneutronic nature of the reaction, which is favorable for the production of thrust since the charged particles can be channeled by a magnetic field. Different fusion mechanisms are investigated and their implication to the p-11B reaction is explored. Three main requirements must be satisfied to reach breakeven for DPF fusion: a high Ti/Te ratio ({approx}20), an order of magnitude higher pinch lifetime, and the reflection and absorption of at least 50% radiation. Moreover, a power re-circulation method with high efficiency must be available for the relatively low Q value of the DPF fusion reactor. A possible direct energy conversion scheme using magnetic field compression is discussed. DPF parameters are estimated for thrust levels of 1000 kN and 500 kN, and possible propulsion applications are discussed, along with developmental issues.

• OSTI ID: 20630581
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 746; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ABSORPTION
BORON
BORON 11
BORON 11 REACTIONS
BREAKEVEN
CHARGED PARTICLES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
EFFICIENCY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA FOCUS
PROPULSION
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
PROTON REACTIONS
Q-VALUE
REFLECTION
SPACE VEHICLES
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS