A time-dependent, two-dimensional, axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamics code is employed to model, validate and extend the experimentally-limited performance characteristics of a gigawatt-level plasma source that utilized magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) acceleration for gas energy deposition. Accurate modeling required an upgrade of the code's circuit routines to properly capture the pulse-forming-network current waveform which also serves as the primary variable for validation. Comparisons with experimentally deduced current waveforms were in good agreement for all power levels. The simulations also produced values for the plasma voltage which were compared with the measured voltage across the electrodes. The trend agreement was encouraging while the magnitude of the discrepancy is approximately constant and interpreted as a representation of the electrode fall voltage. Force computations captured the expected electromagnetic acceleration trends and serve as further verification. They also allow examination of the device as a very high power MPD thruster operating at power levels in excess of 180 MW. The computations offer insights into the plasma's characteristics at different power levels through two-dimensional distributions of pertinent parameters and identify design guidelines for effective stagnation temperature values as a function of the mass-flow rate.
Numerical modeling of two distinct electromagnetic thrusters exercising a state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamics code aims to provide validation by comparison to experiments and offer valuable insights into their operation and performance potential. Specifically, the two thrusters modeled are the unsteady pulsed inductive thruster and a megawatt-level quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic, (MPD) thruster. Simulations of the former utilize a new thermodynamic model for ammonia to address the unique performance of the thruster operating with such propellant. Verification of the model and comparisons to experimental data will be presented. Particularly, magnetic field waveforms will be compared along with integrated impulse values over a range of operating energy and propellant mass values. Interrogation of the pertinent variables provides insights into the thruster's acceleration mechanisms in order to decipher the physical processes responsible for the elevated performance when operated with NH 3 propellant. Modeling of the MW-MPD thruster compares computed current waveforms utilizing a Pulse-Forming Network circuit upgrade appropriate for quasi-steady operation. Furthermore, Voltage-Current characteristics are compared along with computation of the total force generated, plasma power deposition and efficiency to extend the thruster's characterization beyond the limited experimental data.
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