Energy Citations Database

Bibliographic Citation

 
Document This document is available for digitization by request/sponsorship.
For copies of Journal Articles, please contact the Publisher or your local public or university library and refer to the information in the Resource Relation field.
For copies of other documents, please see the Availability, Publisher, Research Organization, Resource Relation and/or Author (affiliation information) fields and/or Document Availability.
Title MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC ORBIT CONTROL FOR SATELLITES
Creator/Author Demetriades, S.T.
Publication Date1960 Jan 01
OSTI IdentifierOSTI ID: 4146243
Report Number(s)NP-8704;
Resource TypeTechnical Report
Resource RelationFor presentation at the 1960 Pacific General Meeting, American Institute of Electrical Engineers, (Aero-Space Transportation Conference), San Diego, California, August 9-12, 1960
Research OrgNorair. Div. of Northrop Corp. Space Propulsion and Power Labs., Hawthorne, Calif.
SubjectPHYSICS; AIR;CONTROL;COOLING;EFFICIENCY;ELECTRICITY;ELECTRODES;EMISSION;GASES;ION BEAMS; IONS;JETS;LAYERS;LEVELS;MAGNETOGASDYNAMICS;MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS;MAGNETS; MATHEMATICS;ORBITS;PERFORMANCE;PLANNING;PLASMA;POWER;PROPULSION;ROCKETS; SATELLITES;TEMPERATURE;VELOCITY
Description/Abstract Satellite orbit control requires propulsion systems capable either of frequent refueling and/or of very high specific impulse. The ultimate success of both schemes depends on the development of efficient electrical propulsion systenns. The velocity requirements for various orbit changes are given and the merits of electrostatic (ion) and magnetohydrodynamic (plasma) electrical propulsion systems are compared. The air-breathing magnetogasdynamic (MGD) orbital ramjet, shows considerable promise as a means for control of low-altitude satellites. The MGD rocket (using air or other substances as expellant) shows considerable premise as a means for control of highaltitude satellites, especially when refueled by a propulsive fluid accumulator using a MGD ramjet in low altitude orbit to collect air. The theory of the MGD ramjet and the MGD rocket is developed and the power requirements as well as some of the design considerations are given. Some experiments on MGD thrust-production are described. The practical problem areas (e.g., the high resistance of the cold boundary layer, electrode design for high emission, magnet cooling, etc.) are outlined and some of the present equipment is described. It is concluded that MGD orbit control of satellites offers considerable promise when compared to existing techniques. (auth)
LanguageEnglish
FormatPages: 48
System Entry Date2001 Jun 03

Top