Design of a Plasma Accelerator Based on Effects of Energy/Momentum Exchange in Crossed Magnetic Fields

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel plasma thruster design utilizing crossed magnetic fields and energy/momentum exchange effects to generate thrust, potentially enabling interplanetary propulsion with innovative acceleration mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces a plasma thruster scheme based on rotating plasma flows and magnetic flux variations, extending beyond quasi-neutrality to enhance acceleration effects.

Findings

Potential for increased thrust via azimuthal electric fields

Feasibility of using interplanetary medium as fuel

Estimates show promising acceleration and thrust effects

Abstract

The creation and design of a plasma thruster are considered using a rotating cylindrical plasma flow in crossed magnetic fields. The thruster scheme uses this plasma guided by a permanent, radial and a time-dependent axial magnetic field. Namely, the acceleration effect is formed by the azimuthal electric field which comes about as a variation of an external, axial magnetic flux. Besides, it is possible to go beyond the approach of quasi-neutrality. These processes can lead to the generation of a local azimuthal time-dependent electric field which may also accelerate the rotation of the electron and ion fluids in different directions. Furthermore, estimations of this device and the plasma flow demonstrate additional thrust effects as well as can consume interplanetary medium as a fuel for driving plasma thrust.