Embedded Files
This unusual thruster relies on arc plasma to superheat the exhaust to achieve much higher efficiency than cold gas thrusters. This 5N variant used a 15Kv transformer to supply 450w of arc heating which occurred inside the vortex chamber with a tungsten electrode. Using just compressed air at near sea level, the third version (shown) was able to get a 20% boost in performance from the arc which was able to demonstrate proof of concept.
MPD Prototypes
MK-1
MK-1
This version was attempted in ambient air using a scratch-built power supply, but the air instantly oxidized the tungsten and prevented the lorentz force from fully accelerating the exhaust plasma
MK-2
MK-2
This version had many improvements including a larger magnet and being operated in a vacuum chamber, however the arc was unstable leading to pulsed operation
MK-3
MK-3
This version was tested in a larger vacuum chamber with a copper body and tungsten cathode but with the teflon insulation spacer decomposing in a matter of seconds.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse