Computational Investigations of Performance Improvements for Microlaser Ablation Plasma Thrusters Using Nozzles

Recent work has investigated the microlaser ablation plasma thruster, which is a subkilogram form of satellite propulsion. Computational simulations that investigate the microthruster operation by the ablation of plasma through a nozzle using a magnetohydrodynamic code are presented. The performance...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inIEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 39; no. 11; pp. 2932 - 2933
Main Authors Thompson, R. J., Moeller, T. M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York IEEE 01.11.2011
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Subjects
Ablation
Comparative analysis
Computation
Computational modeling
Computer simulation
Laser ablation
Laser modes
Laser plasma
magnetohydrodynamic simulation
Magnetohydrodynamics
Microlasers
microthruster
Nozzles
Performance enhancement
Plasma physics
Plasmas
Propulsion
Simulation
Solid modeling
Specific impulse
Thrusters
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Summary:Recent work has investigated the microlaser ablation plasma thruster, which is a subkilogram form of satellite propulsion. Computational simulations that investigate the microthruster operation by the ablation of plasma through a nozzle using a magnetohydrodynamic code are presented. The performance improvement to the microthruster with a nozzle is compared with previous simulations wherein a passive solid propellant was ablated without a nozzle. The model provides insight to the plasma generation and expansion from the fuel tape. Results show up to a 36% improvement in the laser momentum coupling coefficient and up to 50% improvement in specific impulse.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:0093-3813
1939-9375
DOI:10.1109/TPS.2011.2159626