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Detonation–deflagration one-dimensional mode transition analysis for parallel-plate plasma accelerators

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Abstract

Parallel-plate pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) and quasi-steady MPD thrusters are largely distinguished by the discrete current sheet propagation (also referred as detonation acceleration mode) and stationary steady-phase current patterns (deflagration acceleration mode), respectively. Experimental and numerical research attempts in the past have focused on showing that the two modes of operations could be explained using the same continuum process. Present work proposes a simple unified analytical energy balance model to capture this mode transition in pulsed electromagnetic thrusters. The model is tested for a high-energy PPT developed at NASA-Glenn Research Center, which operates predominantly in the quasi-steady mode. The influence of thruster geometry and circuit parameters on the mode of operation and electrical energy efficiency is analyzed. Based on the analysis of the energy transfer efficiency, it is found that operating the thruster in the quasi-steady mode improves the transfer efficiency by approximately \(10\%\). It is concluded that the effective electrode length, pulse timing, circuit parameters, and electrode geometry could be optimized to operate the thruster in the quasi-steady/deflagration mode, hence improving the electrical energy transfer efficiency.

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Notes

  1. For further discussion regarding the calculations of the neutral mass velocity, kindly refer to Appendix C of [20]

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Dr. Kurt Polzin from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for his feedbacks regarding the work presented in the present paper.

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  1. Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India

    Kaartikey Misra

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  1. Kaartikey Misra
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Misra, K. Detonation–deflagration one-dimensional mode transition analysis for parallel-plate plasma accelerators. CEAS Space J 12, 203–212 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-019-00290-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-019-00290-8

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