Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A fundamental upper limit, $$\hat{\eta}$$ , for the thrust efficiency of self-field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (MPDTs) is derived from the generalized Ohm’s law and the minimization of the volume integral of the square of the current density, which controls dissipation in the MPDT. It is found that $$\hat{\eta}\simeq1/(1+4/R_{m_{ci}}\xi^4)$$ , where $$\xi$$ is the MPDT scaling number (the total current normalized by the current at which an equipartition of power occurs between thrust and ionization), and $$R_{m_{ci}}$$ is the magnetic Reynolds number evaluated at $$\xi=1$$ .
Source: Journal of Electric Propulsion
Author: Edgar Choueiri
Institution: Princeton University
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,490
OpenAlex ID: W7166683916