Physics of Plasma Propulsion

Recent years have witnessed tremendous growth in research into the fundamental physics of numerous innovative propulsion technologies. This work is the first of its kind to compile the available research on plasma propulsion into a single source. The book examines the physical principles of plasma propulsion independently from any particular hardware or implementation, providing a strong, universally applicable foundation. Following introductory chapters on collisional and collective processes, cutting-edge contributions by leading experts profile the current state of understanding in the field. Coverage ranges from basic electrode processes to Hall, magnetoplasmadynamic, and pulsed plasma acceleration.