Masters Theses

Abstract

"The general equations governing EFD (electrofluid dynamic) flow are established, simplified, and solved in closed form to provide a mathematical model of an ideal EFD propulsion system. This mathematical model, in conjunction with an analysis of ion-neutral and neutral-neutral molecular collision phenomena, indicates that the cause of inefficiency in the EFD propulsion system is the system entropy increase associated with the diffusion of ion momentum through the neutral fluid. This loss mechanism is shown to be analogous to resistive heating losses in a constant voltage linear electrical network and can be minimized by obtaining minimum ion mobility. It is shown that lifting forces of 10 lbf per unit lifting area (for a 10 stage accelerator) may be achieved with an efficiency of 50% or greater by using microscopic water droplets as charge carriers. A hypothetical 20,000 lbf gross weight flight vehicle is shown to obtain 50,000 lbf of lift and be capable of attaining a 12,000 ft. ceiling, but requires a low weight 1.5 megawatt power supply. It is concluded that the development of suitable high voltage, light weight power supplies is necessary for the practical application of EFD propulsion to flight vehicles"--Abstract, page ii.

Advisor(s)

Brayer, James D. M.

Committee Member(s)

Nelson, Harlan F., 1938-2005
Crosby, Herbert A., 1926-1992

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1970

Pagination

x, 95, A26 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (page 47).

Rights

© 1970 Roger Coy Crites, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Propulsion systems -- Mathematical modelsElectrohydrodynamics

Thesis Number

T 2516

Print OCLC #

6032176

Electronic OCLC #

871704262

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