Multimegawatt MPD thruster design considerations. [MagnetoPlasmaDynamic]

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:5503761

Myers, R M; Parkes, J E; Mantenieks, M A

Performance and lifetime requirements for multimegawatt magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters were used to establish a baseline 2.5 MW thruster design. The chamber surface power deposition resulting from current conduction, plasma and surface radiation, and conduction from the hot plasma was then evaluated to establish the feasibility of thruster operation. It was determined that state of the art lithium heat pipes were adequate to cool the anode electrode, and that the liquid hydrogen propellant could be used to cool the applied field magnet, cathode, and backplate. Unresolved issues having an impact of thruster design are discussed to help focus future research.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 5503761
• Report Number(s): N-92-16024; NASA-TM--105405; E--6807; NAS--1.15:105405; CONF-920104--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300102 -- MHD Generators-- Performance & Testing
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330000* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems
ALKALI METALS
ANODES
CATHODES
COOLING
DEPOSITION
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT PIPES
HYDRODYNAMICS
INFORMATION NEEDS
LITHIUM
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
METALS
MHD GENERATORS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PERFORMANCE
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
SERVICE LIFE
THRUSTERS