Plasma Propulsion Possibilities
- 1 April 1959
- journal article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in IRE Transactions on Military Electronics
- Vol. MIL-3 (2) , 42-45
- https://doi.org/10.1109/IRET-MIL.1959.5008132
Abstract
Plasma propulsion systems are arranged in three categories according to the cyclic nature of the jet produced; 1) steady, 2) alternating or wave-accelerated, and 3) pulsed. Typical systems within each category are described with emphasis on work being done at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The criteria for evaluating the relative merits of these systems are listed and the advantages and disadvantages pointed out. Such parameters as energy efficiency and propellant utilization must be measured before conclusions can be reached as to the eventual applicability of any of these systems.Keywords
This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit:
- Supersonic Motion of Vacuum Spark Plasmas along Magnetic FieldsPhysics of Fluids, 1958
- Production of High-Energy Plasmas by Magnetically Driven Shock WavesPhysical Review B, 1957
- Experimental Study of PlasmoidsPhysical Review B, 1957
- High Velocity Streams in the Vacuum ArcTransactions of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, 1934