Magnetic assisted rocket engine

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of creating a magnetic nozzle for a rocket engine by ionizing high-pressure gas in the combustion chamber. The user plans to utilize an RF source with a Helicon antenna, noting that higher frequencies, around 2.45 GHz, may be necessary for effective ionization at elevated pressures. There is a challenge in finding literature on high-pressure ionization, as existing methods primarily focus on low-pressure scenarios. The conversation also touches on the potential of using high-power ion thrusters and the ionization levels of exhaust gases, which are around 3000K but may not be sufficient for the intended application. The user seeks insights into the physics of high-pressure ionization to advance their project.
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
Views
3K
Ionizing Atmosphere on the nose of a rocket, missile or aircraft to reduce drag
Replies
3
Views
3K
Bi-propellant Liquid Fuel Engine Pressures Before Thrust Chamber
Replies
2
Views
3K
Why Not Titanium Alloy Rocket Engine Nozzles?
Replies
19
Views
5K
I on my rocket engine thrust equation
Replies
2
Views
2K
Hobby rocket engine experiments
Replies
5
Views
2K
VASIMR Rocket can take you to Mars in 39 days
Replies
45
Views
11K
Would this be possible in a Rocket Engine combustion chamber
Replies
4
Views
2K
Hybrid Combustion-Nuclear Electric Rocket
Replies
5
Views
3K
Optimal Size of Rocket Engine Nozzle for Vacuum Performance
Replies
26
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top