Accession Number:

ADA455902

Title:

Computational Investigations of Novel Micro-Glow Discharges for Potential Nanosatellite Thruster Applications

Descriptive Note:

Final rept., 15 Jan 2003-31 Aug 2005

Corporate Author:

TEXAS UNIV AT AUSTIN DEPT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Personal Author(s):

• Raja, Laxminarayan L.

Report Date:

2005-08-31

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

The objective of this project was the development and application of a computational modeling approach for a fundamental understanding of the direct-current micro-discharge phenomena. A detailed, two-dimensional plasma simulation tool has been developed and implemented for the study of micro-discharges in the context of small-satellite electro-thermal propulsion. The special features of the model are a full self-consistent, multi-species, multi-temperature, treatment of plasma phenomena along with the effect of a net bulk flow in the system. The particular geometry of the micro-discharge based micropropulsion device defined the features of the computational model.

Descriptors:

• *ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
• *GLOW DISCHARGES
• *THRUSTERS
• COMPUTATIONS
• THERMAL PROPULSION SYSTEMS
• NANOSTRUCTURES
• ELECTRIC PROPULSION
• DIRECT CURRENT
• PLASMAS(PHYSICS)

Subject Categories:

• Numerical Mathematics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Unmanned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE