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Related Experiment Videos

Kink instability in applied-field magneto-plasma-dynamic thrusters.

M Zuin1, R Cavazzana, E Martines

  • 1Consorzio RFX, Associazione EURATOM-ENEA sulla fusione, corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy.

Physical Review Letters
|July 13, 2004
PubMed
Summary
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A magneto-plasma-dynamic thruster

Area of Science:

  • Plasma physics
  • Space propulsion engineering

Background:

  • Magneto-plasma-dynamic (MPD) thrusters are a type of electric propulsion system.
  • MPD thrusters are being considered for space missions due to their high thrust capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the instability of magnetic and electrostatic fluctuations in an applied field MPD thruster.
  • To understand the relationship between thruster performance and plasma instabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Measurements of magnetic and electrostatic fluctuations were taken in an applied field MPD thruster.
  • The Kruskal-Shafranov limit was used as a reference for instability.

Main Results:

  • An m/n=1/1 kink mode was found to become unstable when the Kruskal-Shafranov limit is violated.

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  • A positive correlation was observed between the kink instability and performance degradation at high currents.

    • Conclusions:

    • The identified kink instability is a key factor limiting the performance of MPD thrusters.
    • This instability has historically prevented the use of MPD thrusters in space missions.