Field ionization test chamber for carbon nanotube-based miniature ion thruster applications
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Authors
Crosby, Bryan D.
Subjects
carbon nanotubes
field emission
field ionization
electrostatic ion propulsion
cubesat
field emission
field ionization
electrostatic ion propulsion
cubesat
Advisors
Grbovic, Dragoslav
Biblarz, Oscar
Date of Issue
2017-12
Date
Dec-17
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Electric propulsion for micro- and nano-satellites is an increasingly viable solution for station keeping and end-of-life operations. In particular, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) electrodes for use in a field ionization electric propulsion thruster are starting to show compelling evidence as a viable plasma generator electrode. This was determined by utilizing a bell jar pressure chamber and a proof-of-concept field ionization electrode characterization fixture complete with an accelerator mesh grid, and a beam current data acquisition suite. The complete field ionization electrode characterization apparatus enables the user to view the generated ion plasma and collect beam current, and enables future work to incorporate a thrust stand and a cathode/anode gap micrometer. Beam current collected from a series of experiments comparing angled-wall etched nozzles with and without carbon nanotube (CNT) deposition showed a distinct improvement in maximum collected current. Mass utilization efficiency and specific impulse for a CNT electrode were found to be 0.31% and 17.5 seconds, respectively, at 560V. This is marginal in comparison to thrusters in industry; however, it shows a successful apparatus and test fixture proof of concept.
Type
Thesis
Description
Reissued 27 Sep 2018 to reflect updated abstract on pages i and v.
Series/Report No
Department
Physics
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.