Year: 1989
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Performance of a 100 kW, applied field magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster was evaluated and sensitivities of discharge characteristics to arc current, mass flow rate, and applied magnetic field were investigated. Thermal efficiencies as high as 60 percent, thrust efficiencies up to 21 percent, and specific impulses of up to 1150 s were attained with argon propellant. Thrust levels up to 2.5 N were directly measured with an inverted pendulum thrust stand at discharge input powers up to 57 kW. It was observed that thrust increased monotonically with the product of arc current and magnet current.
DOI: 10.2514/6.1989-2710
Authors: M. MANTENIEKS, J. SOVEY, T. HAAG, P. RAITANO, R. MYERS, J. PARKES
Institution: Glenn Research Center
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1987584529