Enhanced Ionization Of Propellant Through Carbon Nanotube Growth On Angled Walls
Abstract
A benchmark to compare ion thrusters is the mass utilization factor (MUF). The MUF is the ratio of the ionization area to the total cross-sectional area of the thruster and is proportional to the amount of propellant gas that is ionized to produce thrust; a higher MUF means greater thrust generated. Previous work has shown that the mass utilization factor of a carbon nanotube(CNT)coated angled nozzle is much higher in respect to a 2-dimensional configuration of the same. In other words, stacking concentric square rings of decreasing size would result in much more propellant being ionized than a thruster of constant width. In this thesis, several important benchmarks were set. First, building upon previous thesis work, an angled sidewall was etched into a silicon wafer, resulting in an equation that can be utilized to achieve different angles. Second, that etching process was able to be applied long enough to create a nozzle through the silicon wafer. Third, after successfully growing CNTs on the angled side walls of the nozzle, a mass utilization factor was calculated from the etched nozzle. Lastly, a method for calculating an ideal MUF (based on current modelling) was fashioned to provide a baseline comparison to future laboratory testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1046373
Entities
People
- Alfred P. Garvey
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School