Pulsed plasma thruster variations for improved mission capabilities

C. A. Scharlemann; R. Core; I. G. Mikellides; P. J. Turch; P. G. Mikellides

Pulsed plasma thruster variations for improved mission capabilities

C. A. Scharlemann, R. Core, I. G. Mikellides, P. J. Turch, P. G. Mikellides

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review

Abstract

An idealized model in conjunction with simple numerical analysis has been developed to provide physical insights and guidance toward design of consistently efficient PPTs. In addition, the model proposes directions for expanding the PPTs mission capabilities by proper propellant variations. The magnetohydrodynamics code MACH2 has been utilized to refine the aforementioned insights. Four different propellants - Teflon®, water, lithium and cesium - were examined under optimal current waveforms that will minimize the well-known mass inefficiencies. The analysis shows that indeed, the concept of propellant variations Offers a wider envelope of available Thrust-to-Power ratios and thus a higher level of mission applicability for the pulsed plasma thrusters.

Original language	English (US)
State	Published - 2000
Externally published	Yes
Event	36th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2000 - Huntsville, AL, United States Duration: Jul 16 2000 → Jul 19 2000

Other

Other	36th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2000
Country/Territory	United States
City	Huntsville, AL
Period	7/16/00 → 7/19/00

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Space and Planetary Science
Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Aerospace Engineering
Control and Systems Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Cite this

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title = "Pulsed plasma thruster variations for improved mission capabilities",

abstract = "An idealized model in conjunction with simple numerical analysis has been developed to provide physical insights and guidance toward design of consistently efficient PPTs. In addition, the model proposes directions for expanding the PPTs mission capabilities by proper propellant variations. The magnetohydrodynamics code MACH2 has been utilized to refine the aforementioned insights. Four different propellants - Teflon{\textregistered}, water, lithium and cesium - were examined under optimal current waveforms that will minimize the well-known mass inefficiencies. The analysis shows that indeed, the concept of propellant variations Offers a wider envelope of available Thrust-to-Power ratios and thus a higher level of mission applicability for the pulsed plasma thrusters.",

author = "Scharlemann, {C. A.} and R. Core and Mikellides, {I. G.} and Turch, {P. J.} and Mikellides, {P. G.}",

year = "2000",

language = "English (US)",

note = "36th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2000 ; Conference date: 16-07-2000 Through 19-07-2000",

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TY - CONF

T1 - Pulsed plasma thruster variations for improved mission capabilities

AU - Scharlemann, C. A.

AU - Core, R.

AU - Mikellides, I. G.

AU - Turch, P. J.

AU - Mikellides, P. G.

PY - 2000

Y1 - 2000

N2 - An idealized model in conjunction with simple numerical analysis has been developed to provide physical insights and guidance toward design of consistently efficient PPTs. In addition, the model proposes directions for expanding the PPTs mission capabilities by proper propellant variations. The magnetohydrodynamics code MACH2 has been utilized to refine the aforementioned insights. Four different propellants - Teflon®, water, lithium and cesium - were examined under optimal current waveforms that will minimize the well-known mass inefficiencies. The analysis shows that indeed, the concept of propellant variations Offers a wider envelope of available Thrust-to-Power ratios and thus a higher level of mission applicability for the pulsed plasma thrusters.

AB - An idealized model in conjunction with simple numerical analysis has been developed to provide physical insights and guidance toward design of consistently efficient PPTs. In addition, the model proposes directions for expanding the PPTs mission capabilities by proper propellant variations. The magnetohydrodynamics code MACH2 has been utilized to refine the aforementioned insights. Four different propellants - Teflon®, water, lithium and cesium - were examined under optimal current waveforms that will minimize the well-known mass inefficiencies. The analysis shows that indeed, the concept of propellant variations Offers a wider envelope of available Thrust-to-Power ratios and thus a higher level of mission applicability for the pulsed plasma thrusters.

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M3 - Paper

AN - SCOPUS:84881634495

T2 - 36th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2000

Y2 - 16 July 2000 through 19 July 2000

ER -

Pulsed plasma thruster variations for improved mission capabilities

Abstract

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ASJC Scopus subject areas

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