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Accession Number:

AD1026520

Title:

Efficient Electrospray Propulsion with Widely Variable Specific Impulse

Author(s):

• de la Mora, Juan F

Author Organization(s):

• Yale University

Report Date:

2010-02-22

Abstract:

This report summarizes developments from November 2008. The original contract was aimed at the investigation of ion propulsion based on ionic liquids (ILs). The scope was widened with new funds ($35,000 and $50,000, received for 2008 and 2009, respectively) to study also colloidal propulsion (based on charged nanodrop beams rather than ion beams). This work would rely on electro sprays of mixtures of form-amide and propylene carbonate with selected ionic liquids. In our earlier report we explained the need to measure directly the activation energy DeltaG for ion evaporation of ionic liquid anions and cations. The goal was to identify ILs for which DeltaG is as high as possible, as this enables the production of small nandrops to achieve high specific impulse, without the simultaneous production of ions which would decrease propulsion efficiency.

Document Type:

Conference:

Journal:

Pages:

18

File Size:

3.07MB

Contracts:

Grants:

Descriptors:

• mass spectrometry
• chemistry
• ionic liquids
• carbonate esters
• measurement
• mechanical engineering
• spectrometry
• spectra
• energetic materials
• heat of activation
• ions
• liquids
• materials science
• melting point
• propellants
• specific impulse
• charged particles
• dielectric gases
• mass spectrometers
• barometric pressure

SubjectCategory:

• Propulsion, Engines and Fuels

Communities of Interest:

• Human Systems

Distribution Statement:

Approved For Public Release

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