Construction and Operation of an Arcjet Thruster
Faculty Mentor Name
Darrel Smith
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Electric propulsion systems are critical to extending the lifetimes of satellites and other spacecraft. They are an increasingly important area of research for space industry companies looking to offer the longest lifetimes for commercial satellites. Electrothermal thrusters are Electric Propulsion (EP) devices that use electric power (electro-) to generate heat (thermal) which is applied to a propellant. This propellant is compressed in a converging nozzle section, where pressure and heat increase, and then expanded through a diverging nozzle to generate thrust. Electric propulsion systems, compared with conventional chemical propulsion methods, have higher impulse ratings, higher thrust efficiency, better controllability, and longer operational lifetimes. This project focuses on designing, constructing, testing, and optimizing a low-power arcjet thruster device. Through modification of design parameters such as propellant mass flow rate, nozzle shape/length, cathode gap spacing, and electric power levels, the team aims to optimize the performance of the propulsion system. The project presents a simple arcjet that has been constructed and operated to demonstrate feasibility of low-power electric propulsion systems and allowing for the investigation of relevant properties such as thrust and specific impulse. The research results will contribute to the small body of knowledge regarding low-power arcjets of less than 1 kW in power, and their performance.
Poster Presentation
IGNITE Grant Award
Location
AC1-Atrium, Eagle Gym
Start Date
3-23-2018 11:00 AM
End Date
3-23-2018 9:00 PM
Construction and Operation of an Arcjet Thruster
AC1-Atrium, Eagle Gym
Electric propulsion systems are critical to extending the lifetimes of satellites and other spacecraft. They are an increasingly important area of research for space industry companies looking to offer the longest lifetimes for commercial satellites. Electrothermal thrusters are Electric Propulsion (EP) devices that use electric power (electro-) to generate heat (thermal) which is applied to a propellant. This propellant is compressed in a converging nozzle section, where pressure and heat increase, and then expanded through a diverging nozzle to generate thrust. Electric propulsion systems, compared with conventional chemical propulsion methods, have higher impulse ratings, higher thrust efficiency, better controllability, and longer operational lifetimes. This project focuses on designing, constructing, testing, and optimizing a low-power arcjet thruster device. Through modification of design parameters such as propellant mass flow rate, nozzle shape/length, cathode gap spacing, and electric power levels, the team aims to optimize the performance of the propulsion system. The project presents a simple arcjet that has been constructed and operated to demonstrate feasibility of low-power electric propulsion systems and allowing for the investigation of relevant properties such as thrust and specific impulse. The research results will contribute to the small body of knowledge regarding low-power arcjets of less than 1 kW in power, and their performance.
Poster Presentation
IGNITE Grant Award