Simulation and measurement of high-Beta plasma in a magnetic nozzle

The efficient extraction of thrust in a magnetic nozzle is of great importance to many future space propulsion designs. In several high-power EP thrusters, high magnetic fields are required to create and confine a quasineutral plasma. In order to produce thrust, this plasma exhaust must disengage from the applied magnetic fields downstream of the rocket. This paper presents a subset of results from an experiment investigating a high-powered plasma source emitting into a magnetic nozzle. In particular, numerical models and density profiles are presented which suggest that upon reaching high Beta (kinetic pressure > applied magnetic pressure) a flowing plasma will not be confined by the applied magnetic fields. The plasma will propagate as if it were detached from the magnetic fields.

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