COLLABORATION IN BASIC SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (COBASE)

Anthony Chan hosted Russian scientist Valery Ilin at Rice University for two weeks in October of 1999. The main objective of the visit was discussion and preparation of a NSF proposal dealing with new computational methods for the simulation of plasma propulsion systems. The results of such a project could be used in the simulation of charged particle motion in magnetoplasma rocket systems. Other potential applications include investigation of proposed methods for stimulating plasma flow dynamics and optimization of plasma engine regimes.

Unfortunately, after more detailed discussions, the two scientists decided that the original COBASE proposal was untenable. The cross-disciplinary nature of the proposed work made it difficult to find an NSF grant program for which the likelihood of success would justify submitting the proposal. The two scientists are currently formulating an alternative proposal for which they hope to find funding.