3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Distance Learning Upper Division
Spacecraft electric propulsion systems are intended to provide thrust for propelling spacecrafts in interplanetary missions, orbital maneuvers, and attitude control. The course will start with reviewing material on the mechanics and thermodynamics of propulsion, and identifying the niche occupied by the electric propulsion systems. The course will cover elements of plasma physics and electromagnetic theory essential for studying the electric propulsion systems. The core of the course will focus on studying various electric propulsion concepts which utilize electric power produced on-board to generate thrust. Mechanisms of the utilization of the electric power to accelerate gas or plasma and produce thrust will be considered, including electrothermal, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and gasdynamic acceleration mechanisms.
Learning Outcomes1Determine optimal specific impulse of electric propulsion system based on specific mission requirements
2Demonstrate fundamental understanding of differences between electric and chemical propulsion systems performance and space applications.
3Calculate basic plasma parameters and characteristics of collisional processes.
4Demonstrate fundamental understanding of concepts of quasineutrality and collective behavior in plasmas.
5Perform analysis of electrothermal accelerator at a given frozen flow fraction
6Apply Maxwell equations in differential and integral forms to solve basic electromagnetism problems
7Perform analysis of space-charge limited electrostatic accelerator in ion acceleration zone, in deceleration zone, and in neutralization zone.
8Perform analysis of motion of charged particles in crossed electric and magnetic fields
9Derive and apply modified forms of Ohm's law in two-component moving plasma in presence of magnetic field.
10Perform elementary analysis of crossed-field electromagnetic accelerator with small Hall parameter
11Perform elementary analysis and calculate basic parameters of Hall effect accelerator.
12Demonstrate fundamental understanding of the differences of acceleration concepts used in Hall effect and in electrostatic accelerators.
13Calculate body force in magnetoplasmadynamic accelerator.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.