Dr. Walker’s primary research interests lie in electric propulsion, plasma physics, and hypersonic aerodynamics/plasma interaction. He has extensive design and testing experience with Hall thrusters and ion engines. Dr. Walker performed seminal work in Hall thruster clustering and vacuum chamber facility effects. His current research activities involve both theoretical and experimental work in advanced spacecraft propulsion systems, diagnostics, plasma physics, helicon plasma sources, magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, and pulsed inductive thrusters.
***Projects covered by non-disclosure agreements and ITAR are not presented.***
Joint AdvaNced PropUlsion InStitute (JANUS)
Supported by NASA - Visit Website
As part of the NASA Space Technology Research Institutes, JANUS will enable the flight of high-power electric propulsion by creating physics-based limits, mitigation techniques, and extrapolation procedures to predict the in-space performance, operation, and lifetime of high-power electric propulsion devices from ground tests. To perform the required research, JANUS has mobilized a comprehensive team of world-class researchers who are subject-matter experts in the relevant research areas. The team is composed of faculty members from the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Colorado State University, Pennsylvania State University, Stanford University, University of Colorado Boulder, Western Michigan University, Clark Atlanta University, Chicago State University, and City Colleges of Chicago as well as industry partners from the Aerospace Corporation, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Busek.
Ionization and Acceleration of N2/O2 Mixtures for Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion
Supported by AFOSR
The goal of the proposed research is to create a model-based approach to the ionization of molecular propellants with varying composition as well as predictive lifetime modeling capability for insulating materials in the presence of ionized air. These are unique needs of air-breathing EP that have not been addressed by the plasma processing community. This capability will also aid the development of propulsion systems that use a single molecular propellant to deliver a dual-use propulsion capability.
Air Breathing RF Thruster for VLEO Missions
Supported by Phase Four Inc.
High-Fidelity Coupling of Predictive Plasma-Wall Models
In collaboration with researchers from George Washington University, GT HPEPL investigated the interactions between a confined plasma and adjacent wall from both plasma physics and materials science perspectives.
The goal of this work is to create a high-fidelity, predictive capability of plasma-wall interactions. The work is performed in collaboration with researchers from Georgia Washington University. This capability will aid the development of approaches to control the plasma-wall interaction in plasma systems. The proposed research will directly couple plasma models (informed at the EEDF level) with microstructural material models (informed at the level of the mesoscale physics and features). This work advances the state-of-the-art for non-equilibrium modeling of plasma-material systems and offers predictive solutions for higher-performing devices for USAF needs.
Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Generation and Flow Control for Planetary Entry Systems
Supported by NASA
GT HPEPL is working to investigate magnetohydrodynamic energy generation during planetary entry. Atmospheric reentry plasmas are simulated using an artificially radio-frequency ionized supersonic plasma wind tunnel developed in collaboration with NASA JPL. Results include electrical energy harvested from the plasma wind tunnel using a prototype magnetohydrodynamic energy generator design appropriate to planetary entry systems.
Comprehensive Study of Plasma-Wall Interaction
Supported by AFOSR – Visit Website
In collaboration with researchers from Georgia Tech, Georgia Tech Research Institute, University of Alabama, and George Washington University, GT HPEPL investigated the interactions between a confined plasma and adjacent wall from both plasma physics and materials science perspectives.
Development of Negative Ion Thruster
Supported by NASA MSFC
GT HPEPL worked on developing an ion thruster that uses electronegative gas as a propellant. Unlike most ion thrusters, electronegative thrusters produce both positive and negative ions and accelerate both species to generate thrust. This also enables the plasma to remain quasineutral, eliminating the need for neutralizing devices like cathodes at the thruster exit. This work was supported with a grant from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. It is called the MINT for Marshall’s Ion-ioN Thruster.
Helicon Plasma Source
Supported by MOOG and AFOSR
This research focused on the physics and behavior of RF plasma sources in the HF range. The work also examined the potential of helicon devices as electrode-less thrusters that use plasma double layers to accelerate ions. Thrust measurements and plume evaluation were executed in this work.
Solar Array Exposure to an Arcjet Plume
Magnetohydrodynamic Power Generation for Upper-Stage Rockets
Proprietary
Very-short Antennas via Ionized Plasmas for Efficient Radiation (VAIPER)
Hi-speed Plasma Science (HiPS) to Enable Advanced Radiation Devices
