Numerical and experimental investigations of a propagating microwave-heated plasma
Abstract
A numerical scheme was used to solve the one-dimensional energy equation for the case of a microwave-heated planar propagating plasma. Results for the propagation velocity temperature profiles and the absorbed power were obtained for Helium and Hydrogen at incident power levels ranging from 100 - 7000 W at a frequency of 2.45 GHz for a waveguide of 7.214 x 3.404 cm cross sectional area. A radiation term was included in the energy equation in order to estimate heat radiation losses from the plasma. The results for the propagation velocities were compared to experimentally obtained data in Helium for a waveguide of the same dimensions and the same microwave frequency as mentioned above.
- Publication:
-
20th International Electric Propulsion Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988iep..conf..559M
- Keywords:
-
- Electromagnetic Propulsion;
- Microwave Plasma Probes;
- Microwave Resonance;
- Plasma Propulsion;
- Spacecraft Propulsion;
- Cavity Resonators;
- Electrical Resistivity;
- Helium Plasma;
- Hydrogen Plasma;
- Mathematical Models;
- Propagation Velocity;
- Temperature Profiles;
- Plasma Physics