THERMAL ANALYSIS OF A MAGNETIC INDUCTION THRUSTER.

The thermal behavior of a magnetic induction thruster utilizing a solid conducting ring as the reaction mass was analyzed. Electrical energy initially stored in a capacitor is discharged through a coil which is in close proximity to the reaction mass. Opposing magnetic fields subsequently accelerate the reaction mass to a high exit velocity. During the acceleration process, the reaction mass is resistively heated and the effects of the varying temperature dependent electrical conductivity, specific heat and density are analyzed and compared to the constant property case. The effects of thruster geometry and reaction mass phase changes are examined.