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

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 39; no. 11; pp. 2932 - 2933
• Main Authors: Thompson, R. J., Moeller, T. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• 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
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.2011.2159626
• ISSN: 0093-3813

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.