Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) thrusters are a form of electrodeless plasma propulsion. This technology is a low maturity but potentially enabling candidate for high-power in-space propulsion for use with alternative propellants.
The purpose of the data here, and the associated publication is to evaluate the phenomenological efficiency modes for this thruster test article to explain and understand its overall efficiency.
These modes include divergence, power coupling, mass utilization, and plasma/acceleration efficiency.
Additional time-resolved measurements of the internal plasma properties were performed using a triple Langmuir probe to evaluate energy loss processes within the thruster.
Gill, T.M., Sercel, C.L., and Jorns, B.A., "Experimental Investigation into Efficiency Loss in Rotating Magnetic Field Thrusters", Plasma Sci. Sources and Tech. 2023 (In Review)
