Numerical Simulation and Investigation of Self and Applied Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters for Argon Plasma

Abstract

The Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters is form of electric propulsion which uses the Lorentz force (a force resulting from the interaction between a magnetic field and an electric current) to generate thrust. Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters are candidates for propelling manned spacecraft to Mars because they can achieve a high exhaust velocity combined with a high thrust density. Classified mainly into, self -field and applied -field, MPD thrusters appears to be suited for interplanetary missions. The in-house code SAMSA (Self and applied field MPD thruster simulation algorithm) that has been developed, based on the navier stokes solver together with conservation of magnetic field, which gives the freedom to SAMSA not only simulate the flow and magnetic field but also the plasma generation process. SAMSA purpose is to achieve a better understanding of the functional principles of AF-MPD thrusters to allow for thrusters optimisation with respect to thrust and efficiency. The prime focus of the paper is towards numerical simulation and investigation for both self (SIMPD) and applied field magnetoplasmadynamic (AF-MPD) thrusters geometries for argon plasma flows using SAMSA, which is currently under development at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS).