A PULSED PLASMA MECHANISM FOR PROPULSION IN SPACE
The slug model of a plasma accelerator is formulated and analyzed, incorporating a resistive gradient, R/sub 1/. The assumptions upon which the model is based are discussed. Various efficiency measures describing the system performance are defined, and the advantages of each are stated. It is proved that operating the plasma accelerator at the highest possible discharge repetition rate minimizes the accelerator system weight and maximizes the performance. Solutions valid for small times are derived, both by series expansion techniques and by an iterative technique based on the method of variation of parameters. The advantages of each type of formula are discussed. Both types of formula afford an accurate description of the initial system behavior. The WKBJ method is used to prove that the inductive energy in the system asymptotically drops to zero, despite the monotonically increasing system inductance. Curves displaying the results of a wide-range parametric study made on an analog computer are presented. Multistaging of a plasma accelerator is discussed and is shown to increase the efficiency of energy utilization. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Republic Aviation Corp., Farmingdale, N.Y.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-024728
- OSTI ID:
- 4147390
- Journal Information:
- IRE Natl. Conv. Record, Vol. Vol: 8; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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