Title :
Pulsed-inductive thruster
Author :
Wessel, Frank J. ; Bolte, N. ; Kiyashko, V. ; Morehouse, M. ; Roche, T. ; Slepchenkov, M.
Author_Institution :
Tri Alpha Energy, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA
Abstract :
A new set of pulsed-inductive thrusters (PITs) have been developed for the Flux-Coil-Generated, Field-Reversed Configuration Experiment (FCX) at Tri Alpha Energy, Inc. This paper details their design, simulation, and measured performance. The simulation solves coupled equations for the circuit currents and plasma parameters, including formation and acceleration. The PIT design involves: 5 pulsed-gas valves, a 2-stage Marx generator capacitor bank, a low-inductance parallel-plate transmission line, and a high-current & voltage vacuum feedthrough. The power source provides a 2.5 μs, 1/4-period rise time and 1 Ω impedance. Measurements 1-m downstream from the PIT indicate: n = 1012-1014 cm-3, temperature, Ti = 25-40 eV, and plasma-energy content, Ep = 20-30 J, which are adequate for the FCX.
Keywords :
capacitors; plasma accelerators; plasma diagnostics; plasma simulation; plasma sources; pulse generators; transmission lines; PIT design performance; circuit current; distance 1 m; electron volt energy 25 eV to 40 eV; energy 20 J to 30 J; field-reversed configuration experiment; flux-coil-generation; high-current vacuum feedthrough; high-voltage vacuum feedthrough; low-inductance parallel-plate transmission line; plasma acceleration; plasma energy content; plasma formation; plasma measurement performance; plasma parameter; plasma simulation performance; power source; pulsed-gas valve; pulsed-inductive thruster; time 2.5 mus; two-stage Marx generator capacitor bank; Acceleration; Coils; Mathematical model; Plasma measurements; Plasma temperature; Temperature measurement; plasma accelerator; plasma source;
Conference_Titel :
Pulsed Power Conference (PPC), 2013 19th IEEE
Conference_Location :
San Francisco, CA
DOI :
10.1109/PPC.2013.6627441
