Micro-Cluster Propulsion for Nanosatellite Control. Phase 1
Abstract
The purpose of the research, performed at Phrasor Scientific Inc. and the Mechanical Engineering Department at Stanford University, described in this STTR Phase I final report was to demonstrate the feasibility of using charged microclusters as a suitable candidate for micro-electric propulsion showing compatibility for adaptation to microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication. The research was carried out to explore the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) emission properties of microclusters from single micro-capillaries using diagnostic techniques developed for measuring microthruster performance in terms of specific impulse and thrust. The program demonstrated: that charged microclusters emission can occur from positive and negative voltages. A time-of-flight (TOF) data acquisition system was used to determine single micro-capillary emitter thruster performance. Specific impulses approx. 300s were achieved with a corresponding thrust level of approx. 1.25 micro-N. Research performed at Phrasor under another program reached Specific impulses of 500s. This thruster performance approaches levels which are acceptable for meeting AFOSR micro and nanospacecraft mission objectives once techniques are introduced for microfabricating arrays consisting of multiple micron-sized emitters. Propellant system emission studies also determined that higher levels of dopant along with lower flowrates will aid in the increase of charge-to-mass ratios in order to attain higher specific impulses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366019
Entities
People
- Carl Sujo
- John F. Mahoney
- Julius Perel
- Mark Cappelli