Radio Frequency Plasma Applications for Space Propulsion

Radio Frequency Plasma Applications for Space Propulsion PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 4

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Book Description
Recent developments in solid-state radio frequency (RF) power technologies allow for the practical consideration of RF heated plasmas for space propulsion. These technologies permit the use of any electrical power source, de-couple the power and propellant sources, and allow for the effcient use of both the propellant mass and power. Effcient use of the propellant is obtained by expelling the rocket exhaust at the highest possible velocity, which can be orders of magnitude higher than those achieved in chemical rockets. Handling the hot plasma exhaust requires the use of magnetic nozzles, and the basic physics of ion detachment from the magnetic eld is discussed. The plasma can be generated by RF using helicon waves to heat electrons. Further direct heating of the ions helps to reduce the line radiation losses, and the magnetic geometry is tailored to allow ion cyclotron resonance heating. RF eld and ion trajectory calculations are presented to give a reasonably self-consistent picture of the ion acceleration process.

Radio Frequency Plasma Applications for Space Propulsion

Radio Frequency Plasma Applications for Space Propulsion PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 4

Get Book Here

Book Description
Recent developments in solid-state radio frequency (RF) power technologies allow for the practical consideration of RF heated plasmas for space propulsion. These technologies permit the use of any electrical power source, de-couple the power and propellant sources, and allow for the effcient use of both the propellant mass and power. Effcient use of the propellant is obtained by expelling the rocket exhaust at the highest possible velocity, which can be orders of magnitude higher than those achieved in chemical rockets. Handling the hot plasma exhaust requires the use of magnetic nozzles, and the basic physics of ion detachment from the magnetic eld is discussed. The plasma can be generated by RF using helicon waves to heat electrons. Further direct heating of the ions helps to reduce the line radiation losses, and the magnetic geometry is tailored to allow ion cyclotron resonance heating. RF eld and ion trajectory calculations are presented to give a reasonably self-consistent picture of the ion acceleration process.

Physics of Radio-Frequency Plasmas

Physics of Radio-Frequency Plasmas PDF Author: Pascal Chabert
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1139494686
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 395

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Book Description
Low-temperature radio frequency plasmas are essential in various sectors of advanced technology, from micro-engineering to spacecraft propulsion systems and efficient sources of light. The subject lies at the complex interfaces between physics, chemistry and engineering. Focusing mostly on physics, this book will interest graduate students and researchers in applied physics and electrical engineering. The book incorporates a cutting-edge perspective on RF plasmas. It also covers basic plasma physics including transport in bounded plasmas and electrical diagnostics. Its pedagogic style engages readers, helping them to develop physical arguments and mathematical analyses. Worked examples apply the theories covered to realistic scenarios, and over 100 in-text questions let readers put their newly acquired knowledge to use and gain confidence in applying physics to real laboratory situations.

To Mars and Beyond, Fast!

To Mars and Beyond, Fast! PDF Author: Franklin Chang Díaz
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319229184
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
As advanced in-space propulsion moves from science fiction to reality, the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket, or VASIMR® engine, is a leading contender for making 'Mars in a month' a possibility. A paradigm shift in space transportation, this book is an in-depth and compelling story co-written by its inventor. It traces the riveting history of the development of the VASIMR® engine. This landmark technology is grounded in concepts of advanced plasma physics. It cross-pollinates ideas and disciplines to offer a new, practical, and sustainable solution for in-space transportation beyond low Earth orbit in the decades to come. Invented by the co-holder of the world’s spaceflight record, astronaut Franklin Chang Díaz, the VASIMR® engine is developed by Ad Astra Rocket Company in its Texas facilities with NASA as part of the NextSTEP VASIMR® partnership. With adequate funding, the first spaceflight of the VASIMR® engine is imminent. Plasma rockets feature exhaust velocities far above those achievable by conventional chemical rockets. The VASIMR® engine is the most advanced high-power plasma propulsion system operating in the world today and it may place long, fast interplanetary journeys withinour reach in the near future.

24TH TOPICAL CONFERENCE ON RADIO-FREQUENCY POWER IN PLASMAS

24TH TOPICAL CONFERENCE ON RADIO-FREQUENCY POWER IN PLASMAS PDF Author: Stephen Wukitch
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Radio frequency
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The 24th Topical Conference on Radio-frequency Power in Plasmas was held in Annapolis, USA from September 26-28, 2023. This conference is concerned with all aspects of electromagnetic waves in plasmas, including but not limited to applications in magnetic fusion devices, radiofrequency (RF) plasma sources, and studies of basic plasma wave physics and technology. Specific topics include (i) plasma wave interactions, such as heating, current generation and other “phase space engineering” techniques, diagnostics, and plasma control; (ii) applications of RF power in fusion devices such as tokamaks, stellarators, spherical tori, reversed-field pinches and other confinement concepts; (iii) basic plasma wave physics; and (iv) applications to plasma sources for materials processing, space propulsion, ionospheric and space plasmas. Papers that were presented spanned experiments, basic RF wave theory and RF engineering, and computational techniques and modeling.

Radio Frequency Power Plasmas

Radio Frequency Power Plasmas PDF Author: Stephen J. Wukitch
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 480

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Book Description
In these proceedings of the April 2005 conference participants describe their current research in the theories, computations, and applications of radio frequency power in plasmas for fusion, space propulsion and material processing. Many of the papers describe solutions in tokamak geometries where phenomena to be modeled ranged from mm to tens of centimeters and self-consistent models of energetic particles and waves, with about half the papers describing work in ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF). Other topics include lower hybrid ranges of frequencies, electron Bernstein ranges of frequencies, electron cyclotron ranges of frequencies and RF plasma applications. Annotation :2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Investigation of Magnetized Radio Frequency Plasma Sources for Electric Space Propulsion

Investigation of Magnetized Radio Frequency Plasma Sources for Electric Space Propulsion PDF Author: Jan Dennis Gerst
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The PEGASES thruster (Plasma Propulsion with Electronegative Gases) is a novel type of electric thruster for space propulsion. It uses negative and positive ions produced by an inductively coupled radio frequency discharge to create the thrust by electrostatically accelerating the ions through a set of grids. A magnetic filter is used to increase the amount of negative ions in the cavity of the thruster. The PEGASES thruster is not only a source to create a strongly negative ion plasma or even an ion-ion plasma but it can also be used as a classical ion thruster. This means that a plasma is created and only the positive ions are extracted and accelerated making it necessary to neutralize the plasma behind the acceleration stage like in other ion thrusters. The performances of the PEGASES thruster have been investigated mainly in xenon in order to compare the obtained results with RIT-type ion thrusters. The thruster has been investigated with the help of a variety of probes such as a Langmuir probe, a planar probe, a capacitive probe and a RPA (Retarding Potential Analyzer). In addition, an ExB probe has been developed to measure the velocity of the ions leaving the thruster and to differentiate between the ion species present in the plasma.

Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion

Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion PDF Author: Dan M. Goebel
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470436263
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 528

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Book Description
Throughout most of the twentieth century, electric propulsion was considered the technology of the future. Now, the future has arrived. This important new book explains the fundamentals of electric propulsion for spacecraft and describes in detail the physics and characteristics of the two major electric thrusters in use today, ion and Hall thrusters. The authors provide an introduction to plasma physics in order to allow readers to understand the models and derivations used in determining electric thruster performance. They then go on to present detailed explanations of: Thruster principles Ion thruster plasma generators and accelerator grids Hollow cathodes Hall thrusters Ion and Hall thruster plumes Flight ion and Hall thrusters Based largely on research and development performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and complemented with scores of tables, figures, homework problems, and references, Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion: Ion and Hall Thrusters is an indispensable textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to enter the aerospace industry. It also serves as an equally valuable resource for professional engineers already at work in the field.

Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas

Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas PDF Author: Tak K. Mau
Publisher: American Inst. of Physics
ISBN: 9780735400382
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 570

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Book Description
This proceedings volume includes the most recent research advances in the application of RF power in plasmas, mainly in fusion science. Most papers deal with plasma heating and current drive, profile control, and stabilization using RF techniques, with some on RF sources and launchers. New and exciting results from all major tokamak experiments, and from theory and modeling are included. There is also a paper on RFplasma application in space propulsion by an active NASA astronaut. This book is a valuable reference for the RF researchers in fusion and other disciplines.

Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics in Space Exploration

Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics in Space Exploration PDF Author: NASA-University Conference on the Science and Technology of Space Exploration
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Environmental engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 92

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Book Description


Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas

Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas PDF Author: Tak K. Mau
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 568

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Book Description
This proceedings volume includes the most recent research advances in the application of RF power in plasmas, mainly in fusion science. Most papers deal with plasma heating and current drive, profile control, and stabilization using RF techniques, with some on RF sources and launchers. New and exciting results from all major tokamak experiments, and from theory and modeling are included. There is also a paper on RFplasma application in space propulsion by an active NASA astronaut. This book is a valuable reference for the RF researchers in fusion and other disciplines.