Theoretical investigation of the plasmadynamic accelerator

A coaxial magnetogasdynamic accelerator with compressor coil, also called a plasmadynamic accelerator, is being used to simulate micrometeoroid impacts. A summary on the current theoretical modeling for that kind of accelerator is given. A code that implements the theory is used to verify the correspondence of theory and experiment using an accelerator facility as an example. The potential of the plasmadynamic accelerator is theoretically investigated using the same code. The results of this analysis are compared to experimental results. In addition, the effect of the new gas injection for the accelerator is estimated. The gas injection will replace the plasma generation by aluminum foil, presently used. This technique promises an enhancement of the performance of the accelerator. A prediction of the new performance is given.<>