ECTS - University of Pisa
The course introduces the basic background necessary to tackle the study and the experimentation of the electric propulsion systems for space applications, develops the fundamentals of plasma physics and describes its application to the analysis of the acceleration process in electric thrusters intended for space missions. Students are expected to acquire a sound knowledge of the concepts, fundamentals and models of plasma dynamics necessary to understand conceive, analyze and assess the operation of electric propulsion systems and their components and subsystems.
The final exam aims at evaluating the student preparation on the topics covered by the lectures with specific reference to the following aspects: - knowledge acquisition; - critical understanding; - capability of using in a creative and constructive way the information from the course lectures to develop original solutions to an engineering problem. The student will be assessed on his/her demonstrated ability to: - illustrate the derivation from first principles of his/her solution to the given problem(s) by the introduction of the relevant simplifications and/or approximation; - justify the introduction of the simplifications and/or approximations used in the derivation; - assess and discuss the expected level of accuracy and limits of application of the proposed solution. The student must be able to illustrate the reading matter thoughtfully, clearly, synthetically, effectively and with propriety of expression.
Methods:
Further information:
The final exam consist in an interview where the student will typically be required to: – develop in writing of the solution to an original problem addressable by using the information from the course lectures in a creative and constructive way; - illustrate orally or answer questions on one or more topics of the course. Both aspects will be weighted equally (50%).
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Teaching methods:
Basic parameters for use in propulsion. Classification of propulsion systems. Plasma thrusters. Introduction to plasma dynamics. Kinetic theory. Distribution Function. Moment method. Boltzmann Equation. Collision processes. Coulomb collisions. Fluid Equations. Plasma in an Electric Field. Sheaths. Langmuir Probes. Plasma Breakdown. Paschen's curve. Single particle Motion. Magnetized Plasmas. Diffusion and resistivity. MHD Equations. Waves in plasmas.
- J. A. Bittencourt, Fundamental of Plasma Physics, Pergamon Press.
- F. F. Chen, Introduction to Plasma Physics, Springer.
- V. E. Golant, A. P. Zilinskij, S. E. Sacharov, Fondamenti di fisica dei plasmi, Edizioni Mir.
- J. L. Delcroix, Introduction to the Theory of Ionized Gas, Interscience Publishers, Inc., NY.
- M. Mitchener, C. H. Kruger, Jr., Partially Ionized Gases, JohnWiles & Sons.
- I. H. Hutchinson, Principles of Plasma Diagnostics, Cambridge University Press.
- M. Capitelli, G. Colonna, A. D’Angola, Fundamental Aspects of Plasma Chemical Physics – Thermodynamics, Springer.
- M. Capitelli, D. Bruno, A. Laricchiuta, Fundamental Aspects of Plasma Chemical Physics – Transport, Springer.
- R. G. Jahn, Physics of Electric Propulsion, McGraw Hill Book Company.
- F. O'Hanlon, A User's Guide to Vacuum Technology, Wiley.
Required reading: Course notes and homeworks from the instructor Recommended reading: • Chen,F.F.,"Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion" Vol.1,Springer,2010 • Bittencourt,J.A.,"Fundamentals of Plasma Physics", Springer,2010 • Goldston,R.J.,Rutherford,P.H.,"Introduction to Plasma Physics", Taylor&Francis, 1995
