What is the basic physics of plasma?
What is the basic physics of plasma?
Basic Plasma Physics. 3.1 Introduction. Electric propulsion achieves high specific impulse by the acceleration of charged particles to high velocity. The charged particles are produced by ionization of a propellant gas, which creates both ions and electrons and forms what is called a plasma.
How does the Earth’s plasma affect our quality of life?
Gallagher’s model may contribute to our understanding of how the Earth’s plasma affects our quality of life. Radio waves and power lines are affected by the presence of plasma, as are satellites and the Space Shuttle. Plasma can cause an electric charge to accumulate on one part of a spacecraft but not another,…
What can we learn from the core plasma neighborhood?
Rockets, satellites and the space shuttle have flown in parts of the core plasma neighborhood. By taking various measurements of this region, scientists have gradually come to understand the basic nature of the entire plasmasphere.
How does plasma affect radio waves and satellites?
Radio waves and power lines are affected by the presence of plasma, as are satellites and the Space Shuttle. Plasma can cause an electric charge to accumulate on one part of a spacecraft but not another, sometimes resulting in an electric arc, or discharge. These electric arcs can disrupt or destroy sensitive electronic components.
Can plasma physics be used to model thrusters?
Many of the plasma conditions and responses in thrusters can be modeled by fluid equations, and kinetic effects are only important in specific instances. There are several textbooks that provide very comprehensive introductions to plasma physics [1–3] and the generation of ion beams [4].
What are the Maxwell’s equations for Plasma Physics?
3.2 Maxwell’s Equations The electric and magnetic fields that exist in electric propulsion plasmas obey Maxwell’s equations formulated in a vacuum that contains charges and currents. Maxwell’s equations for these conditions are \\= \ \
