An analysis of energy balance in a helicon plasma source for space propulsion
Name
176873923-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
24.1 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
c3e3ca2c9ebe83a81146559bce781dec
Author(s)
Pucci, Justin Matthew
Advisor(s)
Manuel Martínez Sánchez.
Date Issued
2007
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This thesis covers work done on the mHTX@MIT helicon source as it relates to the analysis of power losses. A helicon plasma is a rather complex system with many potential loss mechanisms. Among the most dominant are optical radiation emission, wall losses due to poor magnetic confinement, and poor antenna-plasma coupling. This work sought to establish a first-order breakdown of the loss mechanisms in the mHTX@MIT helicon source so as to allow for a better understanding of the issues effecting efficiency. This thesis proposes the use of a novel thermocouple array, standard plasma diagnostics, and a simple global energy balance model of the system to determine greater details regarding the losses incurred during regular operation. From this it may be possible, by comparing the heat flux on the tube to the applied magnetic field profile, to gain some insight into the effects of magnetic field geometry on the character of the helicon discharge.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007.
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-110).
Subjects
Aeronautics and Astronautics.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
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