Numerical Simulation of Plasma Behavior in a Magnetic Nozzle of a Laser-plasma Driven Nuclear Electric Propulsion System

摘要

Numerical simulations of plasma behavior in a magnetic nozzle of a Laser- Plasma Driven Nuclear Electric Propulsion System are conducted. The propellant is heated and accelerated by the laser and expanded isotropically. The magnetic nozzle is a combination of solenoidal coils and used to collimate and guide the plasma to produce thrust. Simulation calculations by a three-dimensional hybrid code are conducted to examine the plasma behaviors in the nozzle and to estimate the thrust efficiency. We also estimate a fraction (a) of plasma particles leaking in the forward (spacecraft) direction. By a combination of a few coils, we could decrease a value without degrading the thrust efficiency. Finally, the shaped propellant is proposed to increase the thrust efficiency.