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Modeling plasma flow in a magnetic nozzle with the lattice-Boltzmann method /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ebersohn, Frans Hendrik
Format: Thesis eBook
Language:English
Published: [College Station, Tex.] : [Texas A&M University], [2010]
Subjects:
Major Aerospace Engineering.
lattice
space travel
Physics
dynamics
Magnetic Nozzle
Beta
Plasma
relaxation time
Plasma physics
fluid
lattice boltzmann method
Propulsion
Aerospace
resistive
boltzmann
plasma propulsion
VASIMR
computational fluid dynamics
Alfven
Space Propulsion
electric propulsion
detachment
Space
Online Access:Link to OAK Trust copy
Description
Abstract:Magnetic nozzles must convert thermal or gyro energy of the plasma to thrust while also inducing plasma detachment in order to be effective. Plasma detachment and methods to induce plasma detachment are examined. In particular, super Alfvénic detachment and resistive detachment are examined. A parametric study of the plasma flow is conducted. Plasma flow through a magnetic nozzle is simulated using a three-dimensional, timedependent magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model. The MHD equations are modeled using the lattice-Boltzmann method and the linearized Boltzmann equation with the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook operator for collisions. This thesis presents simulations of configurations and conditions related to the VASIMR propulsion scheme. This research demonstrates plasma detachment using resistive and super Alfvénic mechanisms by modeling plasma flow with the Lattice Boltzmann Method.
Item Description:"Major Subject: Aerospace Engineering"
Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created 2010-08-20 08:33:27).
Electronic resource.
Physical Description:1 online resource.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.