Investigation of Plasma Detachment From a Magnetic Nozzle in the Plume of the VX-200 Magnetoplasma Thruster

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 252 - 268
• Main Authors: Olsen, Christopher S., Ballenger, Maxwell G., Carter, Mark D., Chang Diaz, Franklin R., Giambusso, Matthew, Glover, Timothy W., Ilin, Andrew V., Squire, Jared P., Longmier, Benjamin W., Bering, Edgar A., Cloutier, Paul A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.01.2015; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Argon; Correlation analysis; Electric fields; electromagnetic propagation in plasma media; Ions; magnetic field measurement; Magnetic fields; Magnetic resonance; Magnetic separation; magnetohydrodynamics; Magnetometers; Nozzles; physics; plasma applications; plasma engines; Plasma measurements; Plasma physics; plasma waves; Plasmas; Probes; Radio frequency; magnetometers; magnetohydrodynamics; physics; plasma engines; magnetic field measurement; plasma waves; Argon; plasma applications; plasma measurements; electromagnetic propagation in plasma media

Understanding the physics involved in plasma detachment from magnetic nozzles is well theorized, but lacking in large scale experimental support. We have undertaken an experiment using the 150-m 3 variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket test facility and VX-200 thruster seeking evidence that...