Rotation symmetric magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters with self induced magnetic fields are investigated at higher current levels in a steady state operation mode. Three thruster development lines are followed: (a) watercooled nozzle type thrusters, (b) partly radiation cooled nozzle type thrusters, and (c) cylindrical watercooled thrusters. The goal to get 1 MW steady state power input could not be reached in the contract period because of two reasons: the heatflux into the nozzle throat of the investigated DT2 thruster got to unacceptable high values, which has to be overcome by a new construction and both for the nozzle type and cylindrical thrusters the cathode raised problems at high current densities: the thorium oxide agglomerates and the cathodes begin to melt out of their inner zones and become destroyed. Keywords: Steady state magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters; Electric propulsion; Cathodes.


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    Title :

    High Power Steady State MPD Thruster


    Contributors:
    M. Auweter-Kurtz (author) / H. Kurtz (author) / W. Merke (author) / H. Schrade (author) / C. Sleziona (author)

    Publication date :

    1990


    Size :

    71 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







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