Circuit Modeling of Inductively-Coupled Pulsed Accelerators

This monograph describes lumped-element modelling techniques for inductively-coupled pulsed accelerators, starting from the basic physical description of the various processes and then bringing all the pieces together into solutions. Coilguns, inductive pulsed plasma thrusters, and compact toroids have each been individually studied using the methods used in this monograph.

This monograph is of interest to researchers and graduate students in physics, engineering, and mathematics presently studying inductively-coupled pulsed accelerators.

Features

• The first book to unify the lumped-element modelling techniques for various inductively-coupled pulsed accelerator implementations.
• Discussion of modelling different accelerators in a coherent, rigorous manner, demonstrating the similarities and differences for each type.
• Authored by authorities in the field.

Kurt A. Polzin is Chief Engineer for Space Nuclear Propulsion at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University in 2006. Dr. Polzin specializes in electric thrusters and space nuclear power and propulsion systems. He is a Senior Member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Ashley K. Hallock is the Electric Propulsion Subsystems Lead Engineer at OHB Sweden, working with teams to develop electric and chemical propulsion subsystems for a wide range of satellites. She received her Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University in 2012. Dr. Hallock is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and serves on the Nuclear & Future Flight Propulsion and Plasmadynamics & Lasers Technical Committees.

Kamesh Sankaran is a Professor of Engineering & Physics at Whitworth University. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University in 2005. Prof. Sankaran has been on the faculty at Whitworth since 2004, where he specializes in spacecraft propulsion, plasma physics, computational physics, shock physics, and public policy in science and technology. He is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Justin M. Little is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Washington. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University in 2014. His research interests focus on novel electric propulsion concepts with applications to space exploration, telecommunications, and low-cost small satellites. Prof. Little is a recipient of an AFOSR Young Investigator Award and serves on the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Electric Propulsion Technical Committee.