One-Dimensional Analysis of Parabolic-Profile MPD Thrusters

The application of optimal control theory to the one-dimensional equations of MPD acceleration suggests a convergent-diver gent geometry with straight walls and a corner at the geometrical throat. A gradual variation of the channel slope is usually preferred, and a parabolic profile with the maximum allowable value of the slope derivative provides the best performance. Once the optimal control theory has suggested the channel shape, the actual geometry is univocally determined by assuming the channel height and slope at the inlet. An easy parametric analysis is carried out in the present paper, which discusses the performance of parabolic-profile thrusters, in terms of effective exhaust velocity and efficiency for a given mass flow rate. For the sake of comparison, straight-wall thrusters with either constant-area or convergent-divergent channels are analyzed. The performance of a given thruster is also shown for different applied voltages. © 2001 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rigths reserved.