Internet Encyclopedia of Science
ADVANCED PROPULSION CONCEPTS
ROCKET ENGINE TYPES
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   HOME
ABOUT
CATEGORIES
USE OF TEXT AND IMAGES
NEWSLETTER

  



electrothermal propulsion



A form of electric propulsion in which electrical energy is used to heat a suitable propellant causing it to expand through a supersonic nozzle and generate thrust. Two basic types of electrothermal thruster are in use today: the resistojet and the arcjet. In both, material characteristics limit the effective exhaust velocity to values similar to those of chemical rockets. A third, experimental type is the microwave plasma thruster which potentially could achieve somewhat higher exhaust velocities.


Related categories

   • ADVANCED PROPULSION CONCEPTS
   • ROCKET ENGINE TYPES


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History





BACK TO TOP