Pulsed fusion space propulsion: Computational Magneto-Hydro Dynamics of a multi-coil parabolic reaction chamber. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Romanelli, Gherardo; Mignone, Andrea; Cervone, Angelo
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 139(2017)
• Page Start: 528
• Page End: 544
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Fusion rocket -- Computational MHD -- Magnetic nozzle; BIS British Interplanetary Society -- CT Constrained Transport -- EMF Electro-Motive Force -- HRSC High Resolution Shock Capturing -- HOPE Human Outer Planet Exploration -- IAC International Astronautical Congress -- ICF Inertial Confinement Fusion -- IECF Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion -- MCF Magnetic Confinement Fusion -- IMLEO Initial Mass in Low Earth Orbit -- MIF Magneto-Inertial Fusion -- MTF Magnetised Target Fusion -- MHD Magneto-Hydro Dynamics -- RMHDR Relativistic Magneto-Hydro Dynamics -- Isp Specific impulse -- TVD Total Variation Diminishing; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2017.07.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Pulsed fusion propulsion might finally revolutionise manned space exploration by providing an affordable and relatively fast access to interplanetary destinations. However, such systems are still in an early development phase and one of the key areas requiring further investigations is the operation of the magnetic nozzle, the device meant to exploit the fusion energy and generate thrust. One of the last pulsed fusion magnetic nozzle design is the so called multi-coil parabolic reaction chamber: the reaction is thereby ignited at the focus of an open parabolic chamber, enclosed by a series of coaxial superconducting coils that apply a magnetic field. The field, beside confining the reaction and preventing any contact between hot fusion plasma and chamber structure, is also meant to reflect the explosion and push plasma out of the rocket. Reflection is attained thanks to electric currents induced in conductive skin layers that cover each of the coils, the change of plasma axial momentum generates thrust in reaction. This working principle has yet to be extensively verified and computational Magneto-Hydro Dynamics (MHD) is a viable option to achieve that. This work is one of the first detailed ideal-MHD analysis of a multi-coil parabolic reaction chamber of this kind and has been completed employing PLUTO, a freely distributed computational code developed at the Physics Department of the University of Turin. The results are thus a preliminary verification of the chamber's performance. Nonetheless, plasma leakage through the chamber structure has been highlighted. Therefore, further investigations are required to validate the chamber design. Implementing a more accurate physical model (e.g. Hall-MHD or relativistic-MHD) is thus mandatory, and PLUTO shows the capabilities to achieve that. Highlights: Plasma ideal-MHD in a pulsed fusion magnetic nozzle has been computed. Performance of a parabolic reaction chamber has been preliminarily verified. Possible plasma leakage through the chamber structure has been highlighted. Implementing non-vacuum pressure has a negligible effect on the results.