Fundamental Studies on Erosion in MPD Thrusters

Abstract : The purpose of this research is to understand and quantify the mechanisms responsible for evaporative erosion in steady state magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. This is necessary in order to predict thruster characteristics and lifetimes for a given design. The Back-EMF theory of Onset has been refined and expanded to enable prediction of erosion rates for steady state, self-field MPD thrusters. This theory is capable of explaining both the observed oscillations as well as the increased erosion observed at Onset. This work represents the first time that the plasma discharge and electrode processes have been coupled.