performance improvement of mems micro-thrusters through novel double depth aerospike design
- Paper number
IAC-19,C4,8-B4.5A,4,x50695
- Author
Mr. Chaggai Ganani, The Netherlands, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
- Coauthor
Dr. Angelo Cervone, The Netherlands, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
- Year
2019
- Abstract
The introduction of the CubeSat standard in 1999 resulted in an explosive growth of nano- and pico-satellite missions. Micro-propulsion is universally regarded as a key technology, enabling these satellites to take the next step and become compelling alternatives for complex missions. In this context, Delft University of Technology is developing various micro-propulsion systems for CubeSat and PocketQube missions. A major concern in the development of such micro-propulsion systems is the significantly increased viscous losses encountered in the nozzle. The viscous losses, associated with the low throat Reynolds numbers, limit the usability of micro-propulsion systems. A promising solution is the use of linear aerospike nozzles, which mitigates a portion of the viscous losses by removing the walls normal to the nozzle profile, thus reducing the flow-wall interactions. This paper presents the results of the design, numerical study, and fabrication of a novel double depth aerospike micro-nozzle. This micro-nozzle uses different depths before and after the nozzle throat, aiming to reduce over-edge expansion losses encountered in single depth aerospike nozzles. The steady state micro-nozzle performance is evaluated through three dimensional numerical simulations, using a continuum model, with nitrogen gas as the working fluid. The numerical simulations are performed over a range of spike depths between 200 and 1000 ${\mu m}$, and for the throat Reynolds numbers in the range of 191 to 2861. Additionally, linear micro-nozzles with varying divergence half angles ($\mathrm{\theta=15^{\circ}-45^{\circ}}$), and single depth linear aerospikes truncated at 20\%, 40\% and 60\% are investigated. Evaluation of the results shows that the double depth aerospike micro-nozzle outperforms both the linear and single depth aerospike nozzles across the entire range of investigated Reynolds numbers. That is, with performance improvements between 23\% and 39\% compared to the best performing linear nozzle. Also, indications will be given on the manufacturability of this novel micro-nozzle geometry using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques. Thus, with the application of the double depth aerospike nozzle geometry, doors are opened for new complex nano- and pico-satellite missions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-19,C4,8-B4.5A,4,x50695.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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