Fully Scalable Porous Metal Electrospray Propulsion
Abstract
The objective of this research is advance the field of electric propulsion by producing and testing the first generation of fully scalable 2-D high-density electrospray emitter arrays microfabricated on porous metal substrates working in the purely ionic regime. Uniform porous 2D nickel arrays were fabricated with a pitch of 450 microns. These arrays were tested in the laboratory and display high IV characteristics. Ion fragmentation was identified as a source of inefficiencies, although moderate due to hot neutrals in the beam. MD simulations were carried out to describe the ion emission mechanisms. Device packaging was investigated using MEMS techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567126
Entities
People
- Paulo Lozano
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology