plasma propulsion

superluminal · Freshman Cadet Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Posts: 5

In my university we are working on a plasma magnetodynamic propulsion device, without involving any million-grade temperature...
Yes it is also right that temperature "produces" plasma, but in some case it is sufficient a temperature like 20000-30000 kelvin just for example (i mean plasma surrounding objects entering earth atmosphere at orbital speed).
I think that it would be possible to create a device for producing "cold" plasma using a strong electrostatic field, from atmospheric N2 and O2 molecules; i mean a big tension adapter, a coil (like the ones used in streets lights but i mean the ones used here in italy) and some graphite, this should work but, ehehehehe, at your own risk!!!!!!!!!!

Whitehero · **Sat Nov 29, 2003 8:07 am**

Why not use an Ion drive?

superluminal · Freshman Cadet Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Posts: 5

magnetodynamic propulsion generally produces an higher thrust, but you pay a very high system mass if you compare to the ion one.

webtaz99 · **Sat Nov 29, 2003 9:05 pm Plasma vs. Ion drive**

There are no metal parts exposed to the plasma. Plasma engines are more complex, but ion engines have parts which can be damaged by use.

More importantly, plasma engines generate much higher temperatures.

The high temperatures are not produced to generate more or better plasma. The math description of rocketry shows that the higher your exhaust temperature is, the more effecient your engine is.

Also, no rocket-propelled vehicle can travel faster than its exhaust velocity, which is tied to exhaust temperature. No ion engine can reach the velocity of a plasma engine.