An Alfvenic reconnecting plasmoid thruster

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel space propulsion thruster that generates thrust through magnetic reconnection-induced plasmoids, offering controllable exhaust velocities and a thrust mechanism independent of plasma ion mass.

Contribution

It presents a new plasmoid thruster concept utilizing magnetic reconnection in a static field configuration, simulated with extended MHD to demonstrate its feasibility.

Findings

Thrust is proportional to the square of magnetic field strength.

Exhaust velocities range from 20 to 500 km/s.

Thrust is independent of plasma ion mass.

Abstract

A new concept for generation of thrust for space propulsion is introduced. Energetic thrust is generated in the form of plasmoids (confined plasma in closed magnetic loops) when magnetic helicity (linked magnetic field lines) is injected into an annular channel. Using a novel configuration of static electric and magnetic fields, the concept utilizes a current-sheet instability to spontaneously and continuously create plasmoids via magnetic reconnection. The generated low-temperature plasma is simulated in a global annular geometry using the extended magnetohydrodynamic model. Because the system-size plasmoid is an Alfvenic outflow from the reconnection site, its thrust is proportional to the square of the magnetic field strength and does not ideally depend on the mass of the ion species of the plasma. Exhaust velocities in the range of 20 to 500 km/s, controllable by the coil currents, are observed in the simulations.