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The Magnetohydrodynamic Arc Thruster.

PB16729

Publication Date	1964
Personal Author	Schoeck, P. A.
Page Count	27
Abstract	The effect of the self-induced magnetic field of an electric arc of diverging current cross section with an electrode configuration suitable for a thruster is investigated. Basic relationships for thrust, jet velocity, and mass flow rate are developed in terms of arc parameters which are current, voltage, and an electrode parameter for a simplified arc model. It is predicted that with currents on the order of 1000 amp, voltages on the order of 100 v, and mass flow rates on the order of .01 to .1 g/sec, jet velocities on the order of 100,000 m/sec, and thrusts on the order of one Newton can be achieved and that therefore the arc jet could be used as a thruster for space missions that heretofore were thought to be restricted to electrostatic propulsion. (Author)
Keywords	Magnetohydrodynamics Arc-jet engines Thrust Space propulsion Convergent divergent nozzles Electric arcs Magnetic fields Gas flow Plasma jets Velocity
Corporate Authors	Arnold Engineering Development Center, Arnold Air Force Station, Tenn.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	196401
Contract Number	AF40 600 1000

The Magnetohydrodynamic Arc Thruster.

The Magnetohydrodynamic Arc Thruster.
PB16729

Publication Date	1964
Personal Author	Schoeck, P. A.
Page Count	27
Abstract	The effect of the self-induced magnetic field of an electric arc of diverging current cross section with an electrode configuration suitable for a thruster is investigated. Basic relationships for thrust, jet velocity, and mass flow rate are developed in terms of arc parameters which are current, voltage, and an electrode parameter for a simplified arc model. It is predicted that with currents on the order of 1000 amp, voltages on the order of 100 v, and mass flow rates on the order of .01 to .1 g/sec, jet velocities on the order of 100,000 m/sec, and thrusts on the order of one Newton can be achieved and that therefore the arc jet could be used as a thruster for space missions that heretofore were thought to be restricted to electrostatic propulsion. (Author)
Keywords	Magnetohydrodynamics Arc-jet engines Thrust Space propulsion Convergent divergent nozzles Electric arcs Magnetic fields Gas flow Plasma jets Velocity
Corporate Authors	Arnold Engineering Development Center, Arnold Air Force Station, Tenn.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	196401
Contract Number	AF40 600 1000