Study of a Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster with a quasi one dimensional magnetogasdynamic model

Desenvolupar l'estudi preliminar d'un dispositiu propulsor elèctric tipus Magnetoplasmadinàmic (MPD) per un vehicle espacial, mitjançant un model quasi unidimensional, basat en les equacions de la dinàmica de plasmes magnetitzats.Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters are an electrical propulsion system capable of accelerating plasma to high exhaust velocities using self-magnetic field. The characteristics and technology of these thrusters make them a suitable candidate for deep space of far-term human exploration of Mars for example. However, they are still not yet flight operational because of their electric power consumption, which are of the order of kW and MW. The purpose of this study is to perform a preliminary analysis of a MPD thruster for a spacecraft, through a quasi one-dimensional, self-field accelerated plasma flow model, with zero axial current, base on the magnetized plasma dynamic equations. To do so, first it would be required and justify why the MPD is a capable propulsion system. Next, using analytical and numerical models it would be studied the magnetized plasma dynamic and validated by comparing it to contrasted values from experimental using. Throughout this report, good results have been obtained with the MPD one-dimensional model and the possible space mission. Results show that one-dimensional models can be solved by applying Matlab code. Furthermore, it confirms that MPD thrusters perform as expected and are worthy candidate of future space propulsion. However, some conditions and concepts need improvement. The study has achieved its goal to develop a preliminary approach to MPD performance. With a hope that this will allow the reader to undersant the importance of this type of propulsion in a near future