Issue |
Volume 4, 2013
Progress in Propulsion Physics
|
|
---|---|---|
Page(s) | 337 - 354 | |
Section | Chapter Three. Nuclear and electric rocket propulsion | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eucass/201304337 | |
Published online | 05 March 2013 |
Plasma dynamics in a helicon thruster
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Madrid 28040, Spain
Internal and external plasma dynamics in a helicon thruster are discussed through several theoretical models. Main plasma processes inside the helicon source are: wave energy absorption, gas ionization, magnetic confinement, Hall current formation, and subsonic plasma flow. The processes taking place in the external divergent magnetic nozzle are: axial supersonic acceleration, radial rarefaction, Hall current evolution, thrust increment, and downstream detachment. The possible formation of a current-free double layer (CFDL) is discussed too. Emphasis is put in aspects affecting the propulsive capabilities of the device, such as specific impulse and thrust efficiency.
© Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013