To Go Fast, Long and Far - Electron Cyclotron Resonance Propulsion

Al Reisz
Reisz Engineering

Abstract

In electron cyclotron propulsion, propellant is energized to a plasma state of electron cyclotron resonance with RF waves in a magnetic field. In this magnetic field environment plasma particles oscillate around the magnetic field lines at a radius that is a function of the particle mass to the charge, called the Lamour radius. For electrons this radius is very small while ion particles swirl at wide radii. In the ECR propulsion system configuration developed by Reisz Engineers under NASA Phase I and II grants at NASA MSFC with the University of Michigan as the participating Research Institute, strong magnets at the cylinder ends act as mirrors to reflect plume plasma particles back inward. This contributes to the plasma energy state and when enough particle velocity is built, particles penetrate the downstream mirror and eject into and through a magnetic nozzle. Electrons, being smaller and having higher velocities are the first to penetrate the mirror magnetic and escape. As electrons stream out an ambipolar electrostatic force is developed in the cylinder plasma. This is the ambipolar force long put forth by Dr. Terry Kammash of the University of Michigan. Then as ions too develop sufficient velocities to escape through the magnetic mirror, ions escape at a similar rate as the electrons so that the ambipolar electrostatic force first developed remains in effect. This force acting along with the Lorentz forces created by the radial magnetic field crossing the electric field, the cylinder plume outer realm helicon forces and the plasma down axial expansion forces are the propulsive forces of the ECR. Thrust range is a function of the molecular weight of the propellant fuel, normally an inert gas, the flow rate, and the magnetic field and mirror strengths.

Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville. Paper and presentation charts are not available.