1. Plasma-Pulsed Power Generation
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
(P3G)
Clark W. Hawk
University of Alabama in Huntsville
March 25, 1999

2. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Introduction
• Background
• Conceptual Design
– Power Potential
– Propulsion Potential
• Program Progress
– Analysis
– Experiments
• Summary

3. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Mission Drivers
• Low Cost, Convenient Access to Space
• Rapid, Affordable Space Travel
– Power --- “…a critical technology…space
activities.” (“Space Technology for the New
Century”, National Research Council)
– Interstellar Transport

4. radial flux compression generator
superconducting
shell
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
The P3G Concept
B
Induction Coils
Excitation Coils
Superconducting Shell
Detonation Chamber
B
Induction Coils
Excitation Coils
Superconducting Shell
Detonation Chamber
Expanding
Plasma
(Chemical or Micro-Fusion Detonation)
(Meissner Surface)
Compressed
Magnetic Field
r ua
detonation
driven plasma
armature
magnet
coil
generator
coil
Hz

5. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
P3G Power Potential
2 .0
1 .5
1 .0
0 .5
0 .0
50% coupling efficiency
100 Hz pulse rate
10 GW
5 GW
D-He3
0 .00 0.0 5 0 .10 0 .15 0 .2 0 0 .25 0.30
fuel consumption rate (gram/sec)
burnup fraction, fb

6. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Mission Drivers
• Interstellar Transport
– Propulsion -
• Pulsed Fusion Thruster

7. Propulsion System Comparison
α ≡ Powerplant Specific
Mass (kg/kW)
launch
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
SOLAR
SAIL
CONTINUOUS
FUSION
ROCKETS
10-4
107
106
105
104
103
102
NC RBCC
CHEM RBCC
space
Vehicle Acceleration or T/W Ratio (g’s)
Specific Impulse (secs)
CHEMICAL ROCKETS
ELECTRO
MAGNETIC
ROCKETS
SOLAR OR
NUCLEAR
ELECTRIC
ROCKETS
PROPULSION PULSED FUSION
102
ANTIMATTER POWERED
10
α = 10-4
1
10-1
10-2
10-3
ROCKETS
LASER/SOLAR
THERMAL ROCKETS
PULSED FISSION
(ORION)
THERMAL FISSION
10-5 10-3 10-2 10-1 1 10 102

8. P3G Propulsion Potential
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Winterberg / Daedalus
Magnetic Compression Reaction Chamber
superconductor
compression wall
detonation
target
exhaust
induction
generator
coil
magnetic
field
excitation
field coils
structural
shell
electrical
power

9. P3G Propulsion Potential
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
1 .50
1 .25
1 .00
0 .75
0 .50
0 .25
0 .00
0 .00 0 .05 0 .10 0 .15 0 .20 0 .25 0 .30
specific impulse, Isp = veff / g0 (106 s)
burnup fraction, fb
D-He3
D-T
D-D
charged particles only

10. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Research Drivers
• Plasma Containment
• Efficient Compression of Magnetic Field
– Minimize Magnetic Diffusion Loss to Plasma
or Wall
– Type II Superconductor

11. P3G Progress (Analytical)
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
1 02
1 01
1 00
1 0-1
1 0-2
1 0-3
1 0-4
1 0-5
1 0-6
1 0-7
(3 s)
co p p e r
b rass
10 -7 1 0 -6 10 -5 10 -4 1 0-3 10 -2 1 0-1
m ag n et ic d iffu s iv ity (m 2 /s )
m a g n e t i c d i f f u s i o n t i m e c o n s t a n t ( s )
stainless s teel
flux
creep
range for typical
type-II superconductor
flux
flow
anticipated
range
(50 ms)
Superconductor Tube
di = 1.6 cm
d0 = 3.0 cm

12. P3G Progress (Experimental)
UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Test Cylinders:
superconductor
stainless steel
aluminum
copper

13. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Summary
• P3G Addresses NASA Mission Interests
• P3G has:
– High Power Potential
– Possible Propulsion Applications
• P3G Analysis Shows:
– Power Promise
• P3G Experiments Continuing

14. UAH The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Acknowledgements
• Colleagues
– Mr. Tony Robertson
– Dr. Ron Litchford
• Students
– Ms. Syri Koelfgen
– Mr. Matthew Turner