Open Access
PLASMA THERMAL DYNAMICS IN THE MAGNETIC FIELD OSCILLATING AMPLIFIED (MOA) THRUSTER: AN EXAMINATION OF ADIABATIC HEATING PROCESSES
4
Institute of Space Propulsion, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Lampoldshausen, Germany
4
Department of Applied Physics and Space Technologies, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Russia
Abstract
The Magnetic Field Oscillating Amplified (MOA) thruster presents a novel approach to plasma propulsion, leveraging oscillating magnetic fields to enhance ion acceleration and plasma confinement. This study investigates the thermal dynamics of plasma within the MOA thruster, with a particular focus on the role of adiabatic heating. We examine the temporal and spatial evolution of plasma temperature and pressure under varying magnetic field strengths, using computational simulations and laboratory diagnostics. Results indicate that adiabatic compression driven by magnetic field oscillations significantly contributes to plasma heating, increasing thermal energy and ion velocities. The findings offer insights into optimizing MOA thruster designs for efficient energy transfer and enhanced propulsion performance.
Keywords
Plasma Propulsion,
MOA Thruster,
Adiabatic Heating
References
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