Magnetic assisted rocket engine

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the development of a magnetic nozzle for a rocket engine, specifically focusing on the ionization of high-pressure gases in the combustion chamber. The user intends to utilize a radio frequency (RF) source with a Helicon antenna, noting that for high-pressure environments, frequencies around 2.45 GHz are necessary. Participants suggest exploring plasma physics and high-power ion thrusters, emphasizing the unique challenges of ionizing gases at elevated pressures compared to low-pressure scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plasma physics and ionization processes
  • Familiarity with RF sources and Helicon antennas
  • Knowledge of high-power electric propulsion systems
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics, particularly related to combustion and gas expansion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research high-pressure ionization techniques in plasma physics
  • Study the operation and design of high-power ion thrusters
  • Explore the principles of magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters
  • Investigate the thermodynamic properties of gases at high temperatures and pressures
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, propulsion specialists, and researchers interested in advanced rocket propulsion technologies and plasma generation methods.

EL_bob
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hello everybody!

I have been thinking about something for a while now. I would like to make a magnetic nozzle for a rocket engine. Basically, I would like to ionize the hot and high pressure gaz in the combustion chamber and then use a strong magnetic field to adjust the nozzle throat dynamically.

The problem is how do I ionize the high pressure gaz..
To do so, I plan to use a RF source with Helicon antenna. With low pressure it is pretty straightforward and low frequency, but I figured by reading in the literature that for higher pressure the frequency would need to be much higher like 2.45Ghz

Can someone give me some enlightenments on the physics of high pressure ionization?

If it is not possible, I would try to ionize the gas in a physical nozzle as the pressure is very low, following venturi's law

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
:welcome:
Based on your post, it sounds like plasma is relevant. Are you familiar with plasma and methods of making plasma?

If not, this article may help get you started. Then, the references linked at the bottom of the article give more details.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_(physics)
 
Yup, I want to make a high pressure plasma! I know well how to make plasma at low pressure, but at high pressure the ionization process seems very different and very low littérature is disponible...
 
Google 'magnetoplasmadynamic thruster'
 
Both techniques are made to work under vacuum with low density gases which is not my case.. Very interesting tho!
 
A rocket's exhaust is very hot. Have you checked how ionized those exhaust gasses are already?
 
The gas is around 3000K in the combustion chamber and cool down as it expend at the exhaust of the nozzle. I believe it is slightly ionize but not enough to do anything.
 

Similar threads

Understanding High Thrust of Vacuum Rocket Engines
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Ionizing Atmosphere on the nose of a rocket, missile or aircraft to reduce drag
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Bi-propellant Liquid Fuel Engine Pressures Before Thrust Chamber
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Why Not Titanium Alloy Rocket Engine Nozzles?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
I on my rocket engine thrust equation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Hobby rocket engine experiments
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
VASIMR Rocket can take you to Mars in 39 days
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
11K
Would this be possible in a Rocket Engine combustion chamber
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Hybrid Combustion-Nuclear Electric Rocket
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Graduate Optimal Size of Rocket Engine Nozzle for Vacuum Performance
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K