The Vasimr Engine: Project Status and Recent Accomplishments
The Vasimr Engine: Project Status and Recent Accomplishments
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Vasimr 引擎：项目状态和近期成就
DOI：
10.2514/6.2004-149
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发表时间：
2004
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
R. Bengtson
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
F. Chang;J. Squire;E. Bering;F. W. Baitty;R. Goulding;R. Bengtson
变比冲磁等离子体火箭(VASIMR)的研制始于20世纪70年代末，目的是满足快速、高功率星际空间运输的关键需求。虽然不是聚变火箭，但它大量借鉴了这项技术，并利用了开放式磁系统的自然拓扑结构。除了具有高功率密度和高排气速度外，VASIMR还具有“恒功率节流”功能，可在飞行任务中优化推力和比冲，以提高性能和缩短行程时间。美国国家航空航天局领导的一个研究小组，包括工业界、学术界和政府机构，正在推动这一概念在美国的发展。这项技术可以在短期内在国际空间站等场所得到验证，在那里它还可以作为轨道设施的阻力补偿装置和等离子体接触器。还设想了商业和科学卫星部门的其他近地应用。本文介绍了VASIMR概念的演变到目前的状态，以及我们在理解物理学方面的最新成就。还将介绍解决主要技术挑战的方法和协作方案。
The development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) was initiated in the late 1970s to address a critical requirement for fast, high-power interplanetary space transportation. While not being a fusion rocket, it nevertheless borrows heavily from that technology and takes advantage of the natural topology of open-ended magnetic systems. In addition to its high power density and high exhaust velocity, VASIMR is capable of "constant power throttling" a feature, which allows in-flight mission-optimization of thrust and specific impulse to enhance performance and reduce trip time. A NASA-led, research team, involving industry, academia and government facilities is pursuing the development of this concept in the United States. The technology can be validated, in the near term, in venues such as the International Space Station, where it can also serve as both a drag compensation device and a plasma contactor for the orbital facility. Other near-Earth applications in the commercial and scientific satellite sectors are also envisioned. This presentation covers the evolution of the VASIMR concept to its present status, as well as recent accomplishments in our understanding of the physics. Approaches and collaborative programs addressing the major technical challenges will also be presented.