Magnetic assisted rocket engine

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of creating a magnetic nozzle for a rocket engine, specifically focusing on the ionization of high-pressure gases in the combustion chamber and the use of magnetic fields to dynamically adjust the nozzle throat. The scope includes theoretical considerations of plasma physics and practical applications in rocket propulsion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a RF source with a Helicon antenna to ionize high-pressure gas, noting that higher frequencies (around 2.45 GHz) may be necessary for effective ionization.
  • Another participant suggests that plasma is relevant to the discussion and offers a link to a Wikipedia article on plasma physics.
  • A participant expresses familiarity with low-pressure plasma generation but indicates that high-pressure ionization processes are less documented and understood.
  • One reply mentions high power ion thrusters as a potential area of interest, although the participant admits it is not their field.
  • Another participant suggests researching magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, which may relate to the topic at hand.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the applicability of existing techniques, as many are designed for low-density gases in a vacuum, which contrasts with the high-pressure scenario being discussed.
  • A participant questions the level of ionization in the rocket's exhaust gases, suggesting that they may already be partially ionized due to the high temperatures involved.
  • The participant confirms that the gas in the combustion chamber reaches around 3000K but believes the ionization is insufficient for practical purposes.
  • A link to an article about plasma jet engines is shared, which may provide additional context or insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of knowledge and interest in the topic, with some acknowledging the challenges of high-pressure ionization while others suggest related technologies. There is no consensus on the feasibility of the proposed magnetic nozzle or the methods for ionization.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the literature regarding high-pressure ionization processes and the potential differences in behavior compared to low-pressure scenarios. There are unresolved questions about the effectiveness of existing ionization techniques in the context of the proposed rocket engine design.

EL_bob
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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
 
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: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.
 

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