Numerical simulations of plasma flows through magnetic guide-fields have been conducted to provide critical understanding and detailed design guidance to near-future experimental efforts. The plasma flow is guided by an applied magnetic field arrangement that is sustained by two magnet coils. In the present effort the two magnet-coil sections have been simulated separately. Quasi-steady modeling using helium propellant with classical resistivity demonstrates a nearly-isentropic expansion of the confined plasma through the magnetic-nozzle section, to high exhaust speeds (>270 km/sec). At the inlet of the nozzle—near the plasma-field interface—the development of non-uniformities in the magnetic field is uncovered. For T 0 =100 eV , as much as 50% of the mass flux penetrates the current-layer across the magnetic field lines. Preliminary simulations of hypersonic plasma flow ( M =8.8) through the magnetic-diffuser section, display characteristic wave patterns as a result of shock and expansion wave reflections from the free-surface boundary. For a magnet-coil length of 10 cm and maximum magnetic field of 0.3 T, the flow is compressed to subsonic conditions near the diffuser exit, but suffers substantial loss of total pressure (94%) across the induced shock waves. A 30 cm-long coil at similar maximum magnetic field strength allows less total pressure loss (70%), but would require an extended duct for further compression to stagnation conditions: as a consequence, the system would be subject to greater cross-field propellant loss due to the prolonged interaction between plasma and magnetic field.


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    Titel :

    Numerical simulation of magnetically-guided plasma flows for the design of a fusion propulsion system


    Beteiligte:
    Mikellides, I. G. (Autor:in) / Mikellides, P. G. (Autor:in) / Turchi, P. J. (Autor:in) / York, T. M. (Autor:in) / El-Genk, Mohamed S. (Herausgeber:in) / Bragg, Mary J. (Herausgeber:in)

    Kongress:

    Space Technology and Applications International Forum - 2001 ; 2001 ; Albuquerque, New Mexico


    Erschienen in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 552 , 1 ; 900-907


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    02.02.2001


    Format / Umfang :

    8 pages





    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Konferenz)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch



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