Loss Mechanisms of a Low Temperature Plasma Accelerator

Abstract

Abstract : Any comparison of the performance of various thrust devices must incorporate an analysis of loss mechanisms involved. The occurrence of large losses due to dissociation and ionization in high performance thermal thrust devices has led to considerable interest in low temperature plasma accelerators. The principle loss mechanisms in these accelerators are those due to the electrode boundary layer and to Hall current effects. An experimental and theoretical investigation has been carried out, using argon seeded with potassium, operating at a free stream temperature of 3000 K and at a pressure of about one atmosphere. (Author)