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
International Astronautical Federation (IAF) [Internet]. France: International Astronautical Congress (IAC); 2023. Available from: https://dl.iafastro.directory/search/?q=hettmer
Frischauf N, Hettmer M, Grassauer A, Bartusch T, Koudelka PO. MOA: Magnetic Field Oscillating Amplified Thruster. In: 56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law; 2005. p. C4-6.
Frischauf N, Hettmer M, Grassauer A, Bartusch T, Koudelka O. Recent developments of the MOA thruster, a high performance plasma accelerator for nuclear power and propulsion applications. In: Proceedings of the 2008 International Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants (ICAPP'08); 2008.
Frischauf N, Hettmer M, Grassauer A, Bartusch T, Koudelka O. Recent Achievements in the Development of the MOA Thruster, a high Performance Plasma Accelerator for Space and Terrestrial Applications. In: Proceedings of the IAC 2009 Congress, 60th International Astronautical Congress (IAC); Republic of Korea; 2009.
Frischauf N, Hettmer M, Koudelka O, Löb H. MOA2—an R&D paradigm buster enabling space propulsion by commercial applications. In: Proceedings of the IAC 2010 Congress, 61st International Astronautical Congress (IAC); Czech Republic; 2010.
Acta Astronautica. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/search?qs=manfred%20hettmer
Frischauf N, Hettmer M, Grassauer A, Bartusch T, Koudelka O. Recent activities in the development of the MOA thruster. Acta Astronautica. 2008 Jul 1; 63(1-4):389–399.
Frischauf N, Hettmer M, Koudelka O, Löb H. MOA2—an R&D paradigm buster enabling space propulsion by commercial applications. Acta Astronautica. 2012 Apr 1; 73:173–182.
Hettmer M. New Technology: Austrian Plasma Propulsion. Raumfahrt-Concret. 2/2006.
Löb H. Nuclear Engineering for Satellites and Rockets. Munich: Thiemig; 1970.
Löb H, Freisinger J. Ionenraketen. Wiesbaden: Vieweg & Teubner; 1967. ISBN: 978-3-663-06352-0.
Universität Augsburg. Untersuchung von Implantierten Cu-Proben. Bericht Nr. 3870 660.
Espacenet – Austrian Patent Office. Available from: https://worldwide.espacenet.com
Ziegler JF. SRIM: The Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter [software].
Zohm H. Plasmaphysik I. LMU Munich; Winter Semester 2012/2013.
Nishikawa K, Wakatani M. Plasma Physics. Springer-Verlag; 1990.
Spatschek KH. Theoretische Plasmaphysik: Eine Einführung. Springer-Verlag; 1990.
Duderstadt JJ, Moses GA. Inertial Confinement Fusion. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 1982.
Ruggiero AG. Nuclear Fusion of Protons with Boron. Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton, NY, United States; 1992 Sep 1.
Most read articles by the same author(s)
- Dr. Eleanor M. Whitford, Deep Learning and Intelligent Control in High-Stakes Systems: An Integrative Research Study on Lung Cancer CT Diagnosis and AI-Enabled Electric Vehicle Grid Management , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 3 No. 04 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 04
- Abhishek Agarwal, Anil Desai, VEHICLE HEALTH INSPECTIONS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: HARNESSING AUTO DIAGNOSTICS FOR PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 2 No. 06 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 06
- Dr. Santiago Velásquez, Platformized Hospitality: How Cloud-Based Saas Architectures Are Transforming Food Service And Guest Experience , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 2 No. 11 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 11
- Pavlo Tkachenko, Comparison of The Effectiveness of Various Types of Connections (Rigid, Hinged, Semi-Rigid) In Steel Systems, Depending on The Height and Span of The Building , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 3 No. 03 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 03
- John M. Aldridge, Secure, Privacy-Preserving FPGA-Enabled Architectures for Big Data and Cloud Services: Theory, Methods, and Integrated Design Principles , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 2 No. 11 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 11
- Dr. Elena M. Carter, Securing Multi-Tenant Cloud Environments: Architectural, Operational, and Defensive Strategies Integrating Containerization, Virtualization, and Intrusion Controls , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 2 No. 10 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 10
- Dr. Akmal Rakhimov, Role of Dashboard-Driven Insights in Client Management Documentation for Rural Lending Organizations , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 3 No. 01 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 01
- Anastasiia Livintseva, Integrating Urban Development and Entrepreneurship: How A Product-Oriented Approach Is Transforming and Real Estate Development , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 2 No. 11 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 11
- Dr. Ryohei Matsuda, An Integrated Analytical Approach To Assessing Infrastructure Expansion And Forest Degradation Across The Amazon Basin , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 3 No. 05 (2026): Volume 03 Issue 05
- Dr. Rico Fernandez, HARNESSING SOLAR ENERGY FOR COOLING: INNOVATIONS IN SOLAR THERMAL COOLING SYSTEMS , International Journal of Next-Generation Engineering and Technology: Vol. 2 No. 01 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 01