PlasmaThrust-1 — Microwave Air-Breathing Plasma Engine (Isometric)

Key Components (numbered on the diagram)

1. Air Compressor (inlet) — Lightweight Al alloy centrifugal stage; 0.5–1 kg/s @ 1–2 bar

2. 2.45 GHz Magnetron — 1–2 kW copper-plated body; microwave source

3. Compressed Rectangular Waveguide — 5 × 2 × 20 cm, dielectric-lined; field concentration

4. Quartz Exhaust Tube — Ø 3 cm × 30 cm, high-purity quartz; plasma containment

5. RF Power Supply (48 V DC-AC) — 1.5 kW with frequency modulation

6. Electronic Control (MCU + sensors) — Temp/pressure/flow; real-time control

7. Tungsten Igniter Electrodes — Arc start; auto-disconnect after stable plasma

8. Heat Sink + Ceramic Insulation — Fins + ceramics; continuous > 30 min

9. Water-cooled Nozzle Tip — Safety & durability at ~1000 °C exhaust

10. Aluminum Frame Rails — Vibration-isolated mounting

How it works (isometric flow)

1. Air intake: Compressor provides 0.5–1 kg/s at 1–2 bar.

2. Seed ionization: Magnetron injects 2.45 GHz power to form cold plasma (?100–200 °C).

3. Heating & acceleration: Flattened waveguide concentrates EM field; collisions raise temperature toward ~1000 °C.

4. Arc assist: Tungsten electrodes trigger ignition, then disconnect once plasma is self-sustaining.

5. Expansion & thrust: Pressurized plasma expands through the quartz tube/nozzle, producing a jet (~Mach 1–2).

6. Control loop: MCU modulates RF power and monitors T/P/flow to stabilize thrust and prevent overheat.

Proposed specifications

• Max thrust: ~15 N (? 10 N/kW)

• Input power: 1.5 kW @ 48 V; 2.45 GHz

• Exhaust velocity: ~800 m/s

• Exhaust temperature: ~1000 °C (cooled tip)

• System efficiency: ~60% (with heat recovery for pre-heat)

• Durability: > 1000 h (electrode service ~200 h)

• Mass & envelope: 5–7 kg; 40 × 20 × 15 cm

Notes

• The PNG shows a true isometric-style layout with callouts, flow arrows, a color-graded plasma plume, and a scale bar (0–40 cm).