10 kW class pulsed MPD thruster design for SEOTV applications

Conference · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/6.1994-2993· OSTI ID:418722

Domonkos, M T; Roderick, N F ^[1]

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1. New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Pulsed magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters offer ease of power scaling, reduced test facility requirements, and the potential of launch cost reductions through efficient high specific impulse operation at power levels which make them attractive for several primary propulsion missions. This work addresses the operational design of 10 kW class pulsed applied-field MPD thrusters for solar electric orbit transfer vehicles (SEOTVs). The design includes integration of heated cathode technology to meet lifetime requirements for orbit transfer. Propellant injection system design insures Paschen breakdown and high propellant utilization efficiency. Thermal modeling shows that the temperature distribution does not exceed any thruster material limits. This analysis illustrates the thermal issues involved with applied-field thruster average power scaling, and identifies necessary design modifications for cathode life issues. Applied magnetic fields enhance thruster efficiency, and experiments show that two insulating axial slits in the anode are sufficient to insure rapid pulsed field diffusion. 32 refs.

• OSTI ID: 418722
• Report Number(s): CONF-940623--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
FUEL FEEDING SYSTEMS
MAGNETOGASDYNAMICS
OPERATION
PROPELLANTS
SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION
SPACE VEHICLES
THERMAL ANALYSIS
THRUSTERS