| Popis: |
Miniaturized pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) are poised to fulfill a variety of propulsion tasks on the forthcoming generation of microsats. Indeed the fabrication and operation of micro-PPTs that use an ablating solid propellant have already been proven to be viable. This paper discusses the results of some experiments using 2-D ablative micro-PPTs. These tests were intended to illustrate the effects of thruster miniaturization upon fundamental performance characteristics. Issues that arise when pursuing reliable long-term operation of these devices are also discussed. In an effort to address and circumvent these issues, an alternative micro-PPT concept that uses a vaporizing liquid propellant is presented. The design, fabrication, and preliminary testing of a prototype based upon this concept are discussed. |
