Novel applications of conductor/ferromagnetic composites in development of space infrastructure, planetary defense, and return space missions

Abstract

This research explores further potential uses of ferromagnetic-conductor composites, which are currently predominantly employed for electromagnetic shielding. The theoretical analysis shows that the regimes of ferromagnetic saturation in these materials negate magnetization curl within the composites. The absence of volume bound current, following zero magnetization curl, leaves surface bound current uncompensated in saturation regimes. The uncompensated surface bound current manifests along the perimeter of these composites. The surface bound current is enhanced by configuring a magnetic coil as a thin ribbon, where the bound current is proportional to the perimeter of the cross-section and inversely related to its thickness. In specific limiting cases, the ratio of bound current to the cross-sectional area approaches that of high-temperature superconductors. The magnetic pressure generated in these coils causes them to extend, and under outer space conditions, this results in structures that are lightweight, rigid, and self-supporting. Various plasma-reheating techniques enhance the efficacy of magnetic sails and proposed geomagnetic shuttle drives. The report examines the use of magnetic sails in planetary defense, addresses exiting planetary gravitational wells through orbital cycles, electromagnetic muscle analogues, electromagnetically enhanced armor, and advanced plasma confinement elements as potential applications of ferromagnetic-conductor composites.