Characterization of a multimode propellant operating in a porous glass electrospray thruster

Multimode space propulsion is an emerging technology that shows a promising increase in mission flexibility, adaptability, and mass savings for specific missions [1]. Finding a propellant that operates well in multiple propulsive modes is a key step in getting multimode propulsion systems flying in space. This study characterizes a novel multimode propellant named FAM-110A through operation in a porous glass electrospray thruster. Measurements acquired include current-voltage characteristic curves, plume ion potential via a retarding potential analyzer, and mass to charge ratio via a linear time of flight spectrometer. FAM-110A emitted more current at comparable emitter voltages as compared to EMIM-BF4. Currents of 422 μA and 305 μA were observed at voltages of +1760 V and -1730 V respectively. RPA measurements showed less field free fragmentation during thruster operation with FAM-110A and also a 0.9% average energy efficiency. During cation emission, it was found that the FAM-110A plume consists of primarily the EMIM cation with no observable evidence of the presence of HA+. Many species were found to exist in the negative emission plume including the two know anions: nitrate, and ethylsulfate. Performance parameters were calculated for each propellant. The calculations showed the thruster operating with FAM-110A produced 3.9 μN and 9.1 μN more thrust in cation and anion emission, respectively. The specific impulse of FAM-110A was 1412 seconds lower in positive mode and 1485 seconds lower in negative mode. The calculated propulsive efficiency for FAM-110A was 35.9% lower during positive mode and 21.2% lower during negative mode when compared to EMIM-BF4.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Adduci, Anthony

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rovey, Joshua

• Multimode
• Electrospray
• Porous Glass

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Anthony Adduci

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120091

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F120091