Research at UHCLResearch at UHCL

- Current Application Focus- Current Application Focus

• MHD Augmented Propulsion (UHCL)MHD Augmented Propulsion (UHCL)

• RF Magnetized Plasma Sources, Atmospheric Plasma Torches RF Magnetized Plasma Sources, Atmospheric Plasma Torches (Propulsion, Re-entry plasma) (UHCL/JSC)(Propulsion, Re-entry plasma) (UHCL/JSC)

• Plasma Actuator/Airfoil for Hypersonic Flight (UHCL)Plasma Actuator/Airfoil for Hypersonic Flight (UHCL)

• FRC-based Electric Propulsion (Fusion/Propulsion)FRC-based Electric Propulsion (Fusion/Propulsion)

• Lightning Stroke Simulation (JSC)Lightning Stroke Simulation (JSC)

• Magnetic Reconnection (UHCL)Magnetic Reconnection (UHCL)

- Some applications require neutrals:- Some applications require neutrals:

• Development 0-D Plasma-Neutral model Development 0-D Plasma-Neutral model

Simulation StudiesSimulation Studies

1.1. Fluid (MHD) Plasma SimulationFluid (MHD) Plasma Simulation

2.2. Particle SimulationParticle Simulation

3.3. Computer Science: Massively Parallel ProcessingComputer Science: Massively Parallel Processing

Theory

Simulation

Experiments

1.Pre-Maxwell Equations:

2.Continuity Equation:

3.Momentum Equation

4.Energy Equation

5.Ohm’s Law (resistive MHD)

, p pj E B

,n

nt

u

, , , , , ,pt

uj B u u

, , , , ,T

n T p Qt

u q

, , , pu B j E

MHD Plasma SimulationMHD Plasma Simulation

0 , pp pt

BE B j1.Pre-Maxwell Equations:

2.Continuity Equation:

3.Momentum Equation:

4.Energy Equation:

5.Ohm’s Law (resistive MHD):

( ) 0n

nt

u

( )pt

uu u j B u

1

n TT p Q

t

u u q

0, p pE u B j B B B

MHD Plasma SimulationMHD Plasma Simulation

Physical Model:Physical Model:

LegendaLegenda  = = mmee//mmii is the mass ratio is the mass ratio

00 and and 00 are the permeability and permittivity of free space are the permeability and permittivity of free space

nn is the number density is the number density is the mass densityis the mass densityvv is the center of mass velocity is the center of mass velocityBB is the magnetic flux density is the magnetic flux densityEE is the electric field is the electric fieldJJ is the current density is the current densitypp is the scalar pressure is the scalar pressureQ is the heat fluxQ is the heat flux is the electrical resistivityis the electrical resistivityP’P’==ppII++, , II is the unit tensor is the unit tensor

is the symmetric, traceless part of the stress tensoris the symmetric, traceless part of the stress tensor

MHD Plasma SimulationMHD Plasma Simulation

Magnetic Reconnection Leading to DetachmentMagnetic Reconnection Leading to Detachment

Reconnection Studies: Magnetic Nozzle PerturbationReconnection Studies: Magnetic Nozzle Perturbation

NIMROD MHD Simulation: Step 450000 = 425 s

FRC-based Plasma ThrusterFRC-based Plasma Thruster

• The plasma The plasma detachmentdetachment in the nozzle is induced in a controlled in the nozzle is induced in a controlled way, through the formation of a sequence of FRC way, through the formation of a sequence of FRC plasmoidsplasmoids. .

Plasma Accelerator FRC Formation Coil

Accelerated Plasma FRC Plasmoid

Simulation HardwareSimulation Hardware

• ““Columbia” at NASA-Ames: Columbia” at NASA-Ames: 20 SGI® Altix™ 3700 superclusters, 20 SGI® Altix™ 3700 superclusters, each with 512 Itaniunm processors = 10240 processorseach with 512 Itaniunm processors = 10240 processors

• In-house Linux ClustersIn-house Linux Clusters

Coil Power Supply

Magnetic Nozzle Coils

RF Generator

Automatic RF Matching Networks

Mass Flow Controller

ArgonRF Plasma Torch

Building the UHCL Plasma Lab

High-Voltage Power Supply and Capacitor Bank

Formation and Confinement Coils

Mass Flow Controller

Argon

Plasma Toroid Experiment

Vacuum Chamber

High-Vacuum PumpCoil Power Supply

Building the UHCL Plasma Lab

The Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) is a well studied plasma confinement scheme that is very appealing also for propulsion applications

Fusion and Plasma PropulsionFusion and Plasma Propulsion

A conceptual scheme for a FRC Rocket

Plasma and power production scheme for a Plasma and power production scheme for a FRCFRC fusion (still to be fusion (still to be demonstrated…) demonstrated…) directdirect propulsion rocket propulsion rocket

Magnets

FRC

Electric Power

Magnetic Nozzle

Exhaust

Fusion and Plasma PropulsionFusion and Plasma Propulsion

FRC Plasmoid Fusion-Propulsion ConceptFRC Plasmoid Fusion-Propulsion Concept

A sequence of FRC A sequence of FRC plasmoidsplasmoids is formed from an accelerated plasma column is formed from an accelerated plasma column

FRC Ignited Plasmoid

Plasma Generation

FRC PlasmoidConfinement and Plasma

Acceeration

FRC Formation and

Acceleration

Confined plasma column

Fusion Product Energy Direct Converter