Abstract
Pulsed fusion propulsion might finally revolutionise manned space exploration by providing an affordable and relatively fast access to interplanetary destinations. However, such systems are still in an early development phase and one of the key areas requiring further investigations is the operation of the magnetic flux compression reaction chamber, the device meant to exploit the fusion energy and generate thrust. The reaction is ignited at the focus of an open parabolic chamber, enclosed by a series of coaxial superconducting coils that apply a magnetic field. The field, beside confining the reaction and preventing any contact between hot fusion plasma and chamber structure, is also meant to reflect the explosion and push plasma out of the rocket. The change of plasma axial momentum generates a thrust in reaction. This working principle has yet to be extensively verified, and computational Magneto-Hydro Dynamics (MHD) is a viable option to achieve that. This work is one of the first detailed ideal-MHD analysis of a a multi-coil parabolic reaction chamber and has been completed employing PLUTO, a freely distributed computational code developed at the Physics Department of the University of Turin. The results are thus a preliminary verification of the chamber concept and its performance. Nonetheless, some plasma leakage through the coils have been highlighted. Therefore, further investigations are required to validate the chamber design. Implementing a more accurate physical model (e.g. Hall-MHD or relativistic-MHD) is thus mandatory, and PLUTO shows the capabilities to achieve that. Keywords: fusion rocket, computational MHD, magnetic nozzle
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 67th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) |
Subtitle of host publication | Guadalajara, Mexico |
Publisher | IAF |
Number of pages | 13 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Event | 67th International Astronautical Congress - Guadalajara, Mexico Duration: 26 Sept 2016 → 30 Sept 2016 Conference number: 37 https://www.iac2016.org/ |
Conference
Conference | 67th International Astronautical Congress |
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Abbreviated title | 67th IAC |
Country/Territory | Mexico |
City | Guadalajara |
Period | 26/09/16 → 30/09/16 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- fusion rocket
- computational MHD
- magnetic nozzle