Electro Active Polymers for Robust and Flexible Electrospray Propulsion
Abstract
The objective of the proposed research is a new concept bringing together scale efficiencies of electrospray sources, combined with these nano engineered materials, to manufacture ion emitter arrays for in space propulsion. The new ion sources will use nanostructured electro active polymer materials, starting with Nafion, to achieve unsurpassed thrust density at high efficiency compared to other materials and methods. It is expected that this research will serve as a stepping stone towards the demonstration of electrospray thrusters operating in the pure ionic regime with efficiencies >60% and thrust densities (per unit frontal area) approaching that of plasma thrusters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910104
Entities
People
- Paulo Lozano
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- United States Air Force