Plasma Instability Problems In Various Electric Propulsion Engines

A. K. Malik. (1995), JBIS, 48, pp.507-516

Refcode: 1995.48.507

Abstract:

Gaseous discharge plasmas play a crucial role in the performance of almost all the popular types of electric propulsion engines such as the Arc-jet. the Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD), the Hall-effect type Stationary Plasma Thruster (SPT) and the Electrostatic Ion thruster. Unfortunately all plasma systems, depending on the operational conditions are susceptible to various modes of instabilities; which if uncontrolled automatically result in an increase in the losses and appreciable deterioration in the efficiency of the engine.