Field Asymmetry and Thrust Control in the GDM Fusion Propulsion System

[Abstract] One of the notable attributes of the Gasdynamic Mirror (GDM) fusion propulsion system is the fact that it lends itself readily to thrust control due to asymmetry in the magnetic field configuration. GDM is a magnetic plasma confinement device that has been proposed as a potential propulsion system. It differs from the standard “collisionless” mirror in that it operates at a much higher plasma density and is generally designed with a large aspect ratio to provide plasma stability. When a plasma is injected into such a device, the electrons tend to escape through the mirrors more readily due to their small mass, leaving behind an excess of ions and correspondingly a positive electrostatic potential. Such a potential accelerates the ions while slowing down the electrons until both species drift outward at equal rate. Of special importance to its value as a propulsion device is the effect of magnetic field asymmetry on such an electrostatic potential. Numerical simulations have been carried out to study this phenomenon and to quantify the role of asymmetry on the overall performance of the system. Experiments will be conducted in order to validate the theoretical and simulation models and to provide a basis for further assessment of GDM as a propulsion device with variable thrust capability.