Mars Entry Simulation Using an Inductively Heated Plasma Generator

摘要

The design of the inductively heated plasma generator IPG4 and its double-cone nozzle is presented. The results of the experiments prove that a steady-state operation with CO_2 at very high power is possible. Therefore, the application of IPG4 for CO_2-entry simulation is achieved. The calorimetric powers and the local heat fluxes imply very hot CO_2 plasmas. Together with the modular water-cooled nozzle, the simple and cheap materials used for the plasma generator render IPG4 quite unique in the field of CO_2 atmospheric entry simulation and TPS testing. The first test using O_2 with metal powder was promising concerning the intended Mars dust simulation. Having compared the heat fluxes with figures for typical Mars projects, it can be said that the expected conditions, for example, for the Mars Sample Return Mission can be achieved. The nozzle satisfies two operational conditions at the same time: High plasma velocities can be achieved while the required mass-flow rate can be drastically reduced. This is not only a matter of cost but also of security as deactivation of the potentially explosive plasma flows becomes less difficult.