Initial Results on an Annular Field Reversed Configuration Plasma Translation Experiment

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA502466 | Open PDF

Abstract:

An annular field reversed configuration AFRC plasma translation experiment is under development at the Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL. This experiment referred to as XOCOT-T is a preliminary investigation on using AFRCs as a high power electric propulsion technology. As such, the focus of this experiment is to measure the translation of AFRCs formed at low 2 kV voltages and on diffusive timescales. XOCOT-Ts experimental design is based on previous work done at AFRL with AFRC plasma formation studies known as the XOCOT. Upgrades to the design include a 3-turn, conical outer electromagnetic coil, a pulsed gas feed system, and a new vacuum facility. A suite of high power pulsed diagnostics used in this study include electrostatic Faraday probes, magnetic field probes, a wide angle photometer, and a magnetic flux loop. In this paper, hardware developments and initial results of plasma formation and translation studies will be presented.

Author(s):
Niemela, Carrie S. ; Kirtley, David
Author Organization(s):
AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB EDWARDS AFB CA PROPULSION DIRECTORATE
Descriptive Note:
Technical paper (preprint)
Supplementary Note:
To be presented at the JANNAF Propulsion Meeting (55th), Liquid Propulsion Subcommittee (4th), Spacecraft Propulsion Subcommittee (3rd), Modeling and Simulation Subcommittee Meeting (6th), held in Orlando, FL, on 8-12 December 2008. Prepared in collaboration with ERC, Inc.
Pagination:
0012

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFRL-RZ-ED-TP-2008-489
Task Number(s):
07
Project Number(s):
33SP
Monitor Series:
AFRL-RZ-ED
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*PLASMA DEVICES, *CONFIGURATIONS, *ELECTRIC PROPULSION, MAGNETIC FIELDS, EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, FLUX(RATE), TRANSLATIONS, FARADAY EFFECT, ELECTROMAGNETISM, LOW VOLTAGE, ANNULAR FLOW, ELECTROSTATIC PROBES, COILS, PHOTOMETERS, HIGH POWER, MEASUREMENT
Field(s)/Group(s):
Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics, Electric and Ion Propulsion
Keyword(s):
*AFRC(ANNULAR FIELD REVERSED CONFIGURATION), WUAFRL33SP0708
Report Date:
2008 Nov 05
Creation Date:
2009 Aug 12