Performance characterization of a 1N laboratory resistojet (DUR-1)
- Paper number
IAC-05-C4.4.01
- Author
Mr. Karel Rycek, Technical University of Delft (TUDelft), Belgium
- Coauthor
Mr. Barry Zandbergen, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
- Year
2005
- Abstract
At Delft University of Technology (TUDelft), The Netherlands, a laboratory resistojet has been designed and built. This is TUDelft’s first resistojet. Currently, Delft University Resistojet -1 (DUR-1) is under test and first results show good compatibility with theoretical models. Furthermore its test facility, which is able to test small thrusters up to 1 N, has been improved.
DUR-1 uses the direct heating method to transfer the electrical energy into thermal energy of the gas. The gas is then expanded in a De Laval nozzle to supersonic conditions. The heater, which in this case serves as the heat exchanger, is a coiled tube. This reduces the dimensions of the resistojet while maintaining high heater exhaust temperature. Materials have been selected that can withstand high temperatures and at the same time minimize electro thermal losses and costs. Research focuses on heat transfer within the resistojet. This is done in order to minimize the power needed from the electrical power source (EPS) and as such to limit EPS mass for a given exhaust velocity or also, to maximize the exhaust velocity for a given electrical power input. Primary electro thermal tests have been conducted without any mass flow through the thruster. This is done to study the relationship between electrical power, heater resistance and temperature. Secondary tests include performance and electro thermal tests and have been performed with nitrogen at various mass flow, inlet pressure and electrical power settings. Convection, conduction and radiation have been studied and theoretical models have been developed and implemented in MATLAB. These models are compared with the test data. First tests show good compatibility with these models. The process of improving the efficiency is further investigated.
This paper first gives a description of the test facility and the resistojet used. Next, it describes the modelling of the heat transfer process. Furthermore, thruster performance and accuracy of the data is worked out. Finally, the theoretical models and the test data are compared and conclusions are drawn.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-C4.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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