The numerical simulation and modeling of plasma detachment from a magnetic nozzle is presented. The detachment problem is of key importance to the plasma-based propulsion concepts that employ a guiding magnetic field to control plasma flow and motivated by the needs of the VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) project. The detachment of the plasma exhaust is required to produce directed thrust. In the present scenario plasma can stretch the magnetic field lines to infinity, similar to the solar wind. In order to extend the magnetic nozzle model beyond the limitations of analytic theory, a numerical code is developed to simulate steady-state kinetic plasma flows and to evaluate nozzle efficiency. The direct solution of a steady-state problem, as opposed to an initial value problem, eliminates the need to deal with transient phenomena that are of secondary importance for continuously operated plasma thrusters. The new simulation code is verified against the analytic results and then used to model the plasma behaviour for the conditions of the Detachment Demonstration Experiment (DDEX) at the NASA Marshall Propulsion Research Center, Huntsville, Alabama. / text

Magnetic nozzles, like Laval nozzles, are observed in several natural systems and have application in areas such as electric propulsion and plasma processing. Plasma flowing through these nozzles is inherently tied to the field lines and must separate for momentum redirection or particle transport to occur. Plasma detachment and associated mechanisms from a magnetic nozzle are investigated. Experimental results are presented from the plume of the VASIMR® VX-200 device flowing along an axisymmetric magnetic nozzle and operated at two ion energies to explore momentum dependent detachment. The argon plume expanded into a 150m3 vacuum chamber where the background pressure was low enough that charge-exchange mean-free-paths were longer than experiment scale lengths. This magnetic nozzle system is demonstrated to hydrodynamically scale up to astrophysical plasmas, particularly the solar chromosphere, implying general relevance to all systems. Plasma parameters were mapped over a large spatial range using measurements from multiple plasma diagnostics. The data show that the plume does not follow the magnetic field lines. A mapped integration of the ion flux shows the plume may be divided into three regions where 1) the plume briefly follows the magnetic flux, 2) diverges quadratically before 3) expanding with linear trajectories. Transitioning from region 1→2, the ion flux departs from the magnetic flux suggesting ion detachment. An instability forms in region 2 driving an oscillating electric field that causes ions to expand before enhancing electron cross-field transport through anomalous resistivity. Transitioning from region 2→3 the electric field dissipates, the trajectories linearize, and the plume effectively detaches. A delineation of sub-to-super Alfvénic flow aligns well with the inflection points of the linearization without a change in magnetic topology. The detachment process is best described as a two part process: First, ions detach by a breakdown of the magnetic moment when the quantity |v/fcLB| becomes of order unity. Second, the turbulent electric field enhances electron transport up to a factor of 4±1 above collisional diffusion; electron cross-field velocities approximate that of the ions and depart on more centralized field lines. Electrons are believed to detach by breakdown of magnetic moment further downstream in the weaker magnetic field.