Masters Theses
Date of Award
12-2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Major Professor
Trevor M. Moeller
Committee Members
Basil N. Antar, L. Montgomery Smith
Abstract
Experimental investigations have evaluated the feasibility of using laser-driven plasma microthrusters for small-thrust, high-specific-impulse space maneuvers, particularly for micro- and nanosatellite missions. Recent work made use of the Mach2 hydromagnetics code for the construction of an adequate computational model of the micro-thruster opera- tion. This thesis expounds on this previous work by extending the computational modeling capabilities, allowing for the determination of plasma plume properties and characteristic performance assessment of the microthruster; this allows for further computational investi- gation of the performance improvements achieved by new design considerations. Two par- ticular design changes are implemented and measured: (i) the simulation of microthruster performance intentionally achieving laser-supported detonation of energetic polymer fuels for higher-thrust capabilities, and (ii) the implementation of an axisymmetric nozzle to improve passive solid-fuel performance. The Mach2 hydromagnetics code with the new performance assessment capabilities was used to examine the performance improvement of these new modes of operation; results of the simulations are presented and then evaluated for their use in the overall design of the plasma microthruster. Laser-supported detona- tion shows a tremendous potential increase in the laser momentum coupling coefficient Cm , and demonstrates a much higher thrust; the axisymmetric nozzle varies with nozzle half-angle and length, but still demonstrates expected nozzle trends and improves the laser momentum coupling coefficient, Cm , by up to 230% for some designs considered.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Richard Joel, "Computational Investigations of Characteristic Performance Improvements for Subkilogram Laser Micropropulsion. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2009.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/565
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