Contactless steering of a plasma jet with a 3D magnetic nozzle. (4th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merino, Mario; Ahedo, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: Plasma sources science & technology. Volume 26:Number 9(2017:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-04
• Subjects: electric space propulsion -- thrust vector control -- magnetic nozzles; 52.75.Di -- 52.30.Ex -- 52.59.Dk; Plasma (Ionized gases) -- Periodicals; 530.44
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6595/aa8061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-0252

Abstract

Abstract: A 3D, steerable magnetic nozzle (MN) is presented that enables contactless thrust vector control of a plasma jet without any moving parts. The concept represents a substantial simplification over current plasma thruster gimbaled platforms, and requires only a small modification in thrusters that already have a MN. The characteristics of the plasma expansion in the 3D magnetic field and the deflection performance of the device are characterized with a fully magnetized plasma model, suggesting that thrust deflections of 5° –10° are readily achievable.