MHD plasma acceleration in plasma thrusters: a variational approach

Journal Article · Tue Dec 14 04:00:00 EST 2010 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3533178· OSTI ID:21506943

Andreussi, T ^[1]; Pegoraro, F ^[2]

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1. Alta SpA, Pisa (Italy)
2. Physics Department, University of Pisa, Pisa (Italy)

A Hamiltonian formulation of the MHD plasma flow equations in terms of noncanonical variables is briefly discussed for the case of stationary axisymmetric configurations. This formulation makes it possible to cast these flow equations in a variational form with mixed (closed and/or open) boundary conditions. Within this framework the modelling of the acceleration channel of an applied-field Magneto-Plasma-Dynamic (MPD) thruster for space propulsion is discussed and shown to provide general relationships between the flow features and the thruster performance.

• OSTI ID: 21506943
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 1306; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ACCELERATION
AXIAL SYMMETRY
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CALCULATION METHODS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CONFIGURATION
CONFINEMENT
EQUATIONS
FLUID MECHANICS
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
HAMILTONIANS
HYDRODYNAMICS
IONS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL OPERATORS
MATHEMATICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA
PLASMA ACCELERATION
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
QUANTUM OPERATORS
SIMULATION
SYMMETRY
THRUSTERS
VARIATIONAL METHODS