Speaker
Dr
Alexei Beklemishev
(Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics)
Description
Design of the Helical Plasma Thruster [1] is based on axial acceleration of rotating magnetized plasmas in magnetic field with helical corrugation, similar to principles incorporated into SMOLA open trap [2]. The idea is that the propellant ionization zone can be placed into the local magnetic well, so that initial ions are trapped. The $E\times B$ plasma rotation is provided by an applied radial electric field. Then, from the rotating plasma viewpoint,the magnetic wells of the helically corrugated field look like axially moving mirror traps. Specific shaping of the corrugation can allow continuous acceleration of trapped plasma ions along the magnetic field by diamagnetic forces. The accelerated propellant is expelled through the expanding field of magnetic nozzle. By features of the acceleration principle the Helical Plasma Thruster may operate at high energy densities but requires a rather high axial magnetic field, which places it in the same class as the VASIMR rocket engine. It also allows in-flight variability of specific impulse, power and thrust. This presentation will discuss possible restrictions of the thruster geometry and design and routes to design optimization for specific propellants and operational requirements.
This work has been supported by Russian Science Foundation (project N 14-50-00080)
[1] A.D. Beklemishev, Physics of Plasmas 22, 103506 (2015)
[2] V.V. Postupaev et al., Fusion Engineering and Design 106, 29 (2016)
Primary author
Dr
Alexei Beklemishev
(Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics)
