PLASMA PROPULSION BY MEANS OF A HELICAL TRANSMISSION LINE

摘要: Experimental and theoretical studies of plasma propulsion using a helical transmission line to generate moving magnetic field were conducted. Preliminary results from 10-kv encouraged the building similar. but larger, 25-kv line. Recent development 0.5 mu f capacitors capable ringing at 25 kv with frequency 1.05 Mc small enough install on made possible its construction. Results reported obtained The system consists conical electrical discharge driver, shock tube, propellant gas is H/sub 2/ an initial pressure 175 (particle density 6 x 10/sup 15/ cm/sup -3/). tube driver uses capacitor bank 8 rings 250 kc/sec. At 10 cm ring electrode where enters line, has velocity 16 cm/ sec which decays 3 as it leaves 115 electrode. phase 11.3 capacitance per length 13.8 f/m. This gives impedance ofmore » 0.615 ohm current 40,700 amperes. From this axial calculated be 7100 gauss; radial 1400 gauss. rotating mirror streak camera along axis show that, when initiated 4 behind ionizing (30--40 in tube), maintained --11 sec. Photomultiplier probes indicate that luminous travels A bar device used measure change impulse due field. (auth)« less