Definition, design and characterization of a fluidic controller for a pulsed electric propulsion module

This paper presents the first steps of development of an innovative pulsed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster, it focuses on the design of the fluidic system of the device. After the justification of the technology by reviewing the state of the art of electric propulsion, orders of magnitude are estimated and validated.
Then, the fluidic hypothesis are theoretically derived and justified, and a numerical model is built. This model gives the temporal thermodynamic behavior of the fluid depending on the components characteristics. As a result, the first orders of magnitude for component sizing are given. A first discussion of the flow behavior in the discharge chamber is detailed.
Lastly, the future test bench for the fluidic system characterization is described and schematized. Considerations such as measurement facilities and risk analysis are also developed.