This study explores the possibility of miniaturizing magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (MPDTs) to significantly lower power and discharge current levels compared to most conventional MPDTs. A design alternative for MPDTs using a discharge channel with a rectangular cross-section is presented that enables the implementation of strong external magnetic fields to increase the applied-field Lorentz force. The thruster concept uses heaterless calcium aluminate electride (C12A7:e-) hollow cathodes as the electron source. A prototype of the concept intended for the low-amp current range generates thrust in the low millinewton range with a specific impulse ranging between 400 s and 1200 s at power levels below 500 W but shows high thermal power losses to the anode. A further miniaturized version of the concept intended for the sub-amp current range is thermally more sustainable but requires high mass flow rates to achieve a stable discharge, limiting the achievable specific impulse.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa:de:qucosa:89706 |
| Date | 26 February 2024 |
| Creators | Gondol, Norman, Tajmar, Martin |
| Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
| Source Sets | Hochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion, doc-type:article, info:eu-repo/semantics/article, doc-type:Text |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | 2731-4596, 23, 10.1007/s44205-022-00025-8, info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/European Commission/H2020 | RIA/ 828902//Electrodynamic Tether Technology for Passive Consumable-less Deorbit Kit/E.T.PACK |
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