Experimental measurements in a radio frequency discharge heated supersonic flow: Evaluation of a potential electric propulsion thruster

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/6.1991-3615· OSTI ID:5280913

Wantuck, P J; Hull, D E

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 Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; 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
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330000* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems
ARGON
ELEMENTS
EVALUATION
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
GASES
NONMETALS
NOZZLES
PLASMA
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
RARE GASES
SUPERSONIC FLOW
THRUSTERS
TUBES