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Theory of the plasma thruster based on the rotating electromagnetic field

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2014

Ya. I. Kolesnichenko ,
V. V. Lutsenko  and
T. S. Rudenko
Ya. I. Kolesnichenko
Affiliation:
Institute for Nuclear Research, Prospekt Nauky 47, Kyiv 03680, Ukraine
V. V. Lutsenko*
Affiliation:
Institute for Nuclear Research, Prospekt Nauky 47, Kyiv 03680, Ukraine
T. S. Rudenko
Affiliation:
Institute for Nuclear Research, Prospekt Nauky 47, Kyiv 03680, Ukraine
*
†Email address for correspondence: lutsenko@kinr.kiev.ua
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Abstract

A theory of electrodeless electric propulsion systems (EEPS) based on the use of the solenoid magnetic field and the rotating electromagnetic field produced by antennas is developed, which includes a study of the plasma acceleration by the Radio Frequency (RF) field and the concomitant thrust. It was assumed that the frequency of the RF field exceeds the lower hybrid frequency but is much less than the electron gyrofrequency. Relations for the thrust are obtained and analyzed. It is shown that thrust gain is significant only when the RF-induced drift velocity well exceeds the fluid velocity of the injected plasma. It is revealed that the curvature of the magnetic field lines and the plasma acceleration in the region outside the solenoid are the factors which can considerably increase the thrust. On the other hand, it is found that the axial inhomogeneity of the plasma and some other factors are unfavorable for the thrust. The obtained results can be used for the optimization of particular experiments aimed to create a new thruster for long-time space missions.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 81 , Issue 2 , April 2015 , 905810205
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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References

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