Investigation of a Microwave Surface-Wave Plasma for Propulsion
Open Access
Author:
Ramdass, Kriston
Area of Honors:
Aerospace Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Sven G Bilén, Thesis Supervisor Robert G. Melton, Thesis Honors Advisor Jesse Kane Mc Ternan, Faculty Reader Amy Ruth Pritchett, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
surface wave plasma MET thruster propulsion
Abstract:
This thesis examines a novel type of electrothermal plasma thruster: the surface-wave thruster. Surface waves have been extensively studied and reliably generated under numerous conditions and in numerous configurations; however, this thesis studies the application of surface-wave plasmas for spacecraft propulsion. This thruster utilizes microwave energy at a frequency of 2.45 GHz to create surface-wave plasmas that heat up propellant and produce thrusts greater than cold flow thrusters. Initial designs and testing of this thruster are documented and detailed.
Testing demonstrated repeatability in generating surface-wave plasmas with 350 W of input power and nitrogen propellant flowing from 1 SLM to 5 SLM. Results showed that with 700 W of input power and 5 SLM of nitrogen propellant, hot flow tests produced 3.8 g of thrust, which is 32 times cold flow thrust levels, albeit with low coupling efficiency. The tests described in this thesis demonstrate the feasibility of a surface-wave thruster, and recommendations for future work and improvements are presented.
