Experimental Study of a Two-Dimensional Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster

Abstract

A two-dimensional applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster (2D AF-MPDT) has been developed. A strong crossed magnetic field of more than 1 T can be applied to the 2D AF-MPDT. A thrust measurement system was newly developed. Successful operation with several applied magnetic field strengths from 0 T to 1 T was achieved and acceptable thrust efficiency was obtained. The discharge voltage increased when the magnetic field was applied. The thrust efficiency improves with increasing magnetic field. An operation limit such as a voltage hash was not observed. In this paper, the results indicate that the thrust efficiency of the 2D AF-MPDT can be improved with a strong applied crossed magnetic field.