Fundamental studies on erosion in MPD thrusters. Final report, 30 Sep 87-30 Sep 91

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7164486

Subramaniam, V V

The purpose of this research is to understand and quantify the mechanisms responsible for evaporative erosion in steady state magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. This is necessary in order to predict thruster characteristics and lifetimes for a given design. The Back-EMF theory of Onset has been refined and expanded to enable prediction of erosion rates for steady state, self-field MPD thrusters. This theory is capable of explaining both the observed oscillations as well as the increased erosion observed at Onset. This work represents the first time that the plasma discharge and electrode processes have been coupled.

• Research Organization: Ohio State Univ. Research Foundation, Columbus, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 7164486
• Report Number(s): AD-A-253900/5/XAB; CNN: AFOSR-87-0360
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300100 -- Direct Energy Conversion-- MHD Generators
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330000* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems
DESIGN
ELECTRODES
EMISSION
EROSION
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
LIFETIME
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SERVICE LIFE
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
THERMIONIC EMISSION
THRUSTERS