THE ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC GENERATION OF CHARGED DROPLET BEAMS
Abstract
Thrustors capable of high exhaust velocity (specific impulse) and efficiency are desirable for space propulsion. The acceleration of charged droplets (colloids) by an electric field can provide a thrustor that meets these requirements. This effort was concentrated on producing positive and negative colloids by the electrohydrodynamic spraying of ionically doped glycerol solutions from metal capillary needles. To date, the results of this program indicate that both positive and negative colloids can be produced with charge- to-mass ratios of sufficient magnitude to be utilized by an electrostatic space thrustor. Charge-to-mass ratios have been obtained in the ranges of approximately 100-30,000 coulombs/kilogram for positive colloids and 100-4000 coulombs/kilogram for negative colloids. Current levels of 10 microamps per needle are easily obtained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0807686
Entities
People
- R. E. Hunter
- Stanley H. Wineland
- W. C. Burson
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory