Plasma Accelerator Using Segmented Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma accelerating technologies, such as magnetic nozzles and Lissajous accelerating apparatuses, face challenges in achieving high thrust force due to limitations in plasma density and energy efficiency, particularly with electrodeless plasma, where high electron temperatures are difficult to maintain and strong magnetic fields are required for confinement, and high plasma density hinders field penetration.
Innovation Solution
A plasma accelerating apparatus comprising a magnetic field generation body, a supply passage, a cathode, an anode, and a voltage applying unit, which generates an axial and radial magnetic field and electric field to create a Hall electric field for accelerating plasma, allowing for efficient acceleration of electrodeless plasma without direct electrode contact, thereby overcoming spatial charge limitations and enhancing thrust force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong magnetic fields are used to confine electrodeless plasma, then plasma confinement is improved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is segmented into two distinct components: an axial magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generation body for plasma confinement, and a radial magnetic field generated by a separate magnetic coil for plasma acceleration. This segmentation allows each magnetic field to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliable plasma confinement with reduced energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of plasma confinement and plasma acceleration into a single integrated apparatus. The axial magnetic field from the magnetic field generation body confines the electrodeless plasma, while the radial magnetic field from the magnetic coil accelerates it, combining both functions in one system rather than requiring separate devices.
2Quantity of substance
If high plasma density is achieved, then thrust force potential is improved, but field penetration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field configuration creates different local conditions: the axial magnetic field provides strong confinement in the plasma generation region to maintain high density, while the radial magnetic field provides acceleration in the discharge region. This local differentiation allows high plasma density to be maintained without compromising field penetration capability for acceleration.
3Reliability
If electrodeless plasma generation is used, then electrode wear is eliminated, but thrust force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer momentum to the electrodeless plasma. The radial magnetic field generated by the magnetic coil interacts with the axial magnetic field to create a Lorentz force that accelerates the plasma, providing the necessary thrust force without requiring direct electrode contact, thus maintaining electrode durability while achieving sufficient thrust.
4Speed
If rotating electric or magnetic fields are used for plasma acceleration, then plasma rotation is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rotating electric or magnetic fields to achieve plasma rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using stationary orthogonal magnetic fields (axial and radial) that generate a Lorentz force. This force naturally causes plasma rotation and acceleration without requiring the fields themselves to rotate, significantly simplifying the device structure and reducing energy consumption while achieving the same plasma rotation effect.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves a significant thrust force by maintaining electrical neutrality of the accelerated plasma, effectively accelerating high-density electrodeless plasma without the need for rotating fields, thus improving energy efficiency and thrust force generation.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field generation body generates an axial direction magnetic field in the center region of the magnetic field generation body, and generates a magnetic field which contains a radial direction magnetic field, on the downstream side from the magnetic field generation body
Implementation Method 2
The voltage applying unit generates an electric field between the cathode and the anode
Implementation Method 3
The plasma supplied through the supply passage is accelerated with a Hall electric field generated through interaction of electrons emitted from the cathode, the radial direction magnetic field, and the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
Plasma which is supplied from a supply passage (1) is accelerated with a Hall electric field (E) which is generated through interaction of electrons (e−) emitted from a cathode (3), a radial direction magnetic field (Bd), and an electric field (Ex).