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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
Summary
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.
- 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.