Capillary-fed evaporative microthruster for nano /microsatellites

Sharma, A and Dev, N and Dash, S (2022) Capillary-fed evaporative microthruster for nano /microsatellites. In: AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, 3-7 Jan 2022, San Diego.

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Abstract

Small satellites offer a unique platform for short-term and low-cost communications and surveillance missions. Such miniaturized satellites require compact and lightweight propulsion systems that can provide precise reaction and attitude control and can be easily integrated with the satellite. The present work focuses on the design and development of a capillary-fed microthruster that relies on localized evaporation of a thin water film obtained using micro-engineered surfaces. Two generations of the device design are reported in this manuscript � one in which the liquid is held near the nozzle and the second in which the liquid is retained in the silicon microtexures. A resistive thin-film heater is used for heating of the thin liquid film to generate vapor that exits through the nozzle to provide a thrust. The experimental characterization of the first-generation device is done in terms of wicking of the liquid and liquid-vapor phase change on application of heating power and subsequent ejection of vapor through the nozzle. The evaporative mass flow rate obtained using the first-generation of the device is experimentally estimated at an ambient pressure of 500 Pa. The second generation of the device is expected to eliminate ice formation and boiling induced instabilities observed in the first generation of the device. A combined analytical-numerical model is developed to predict the performance of the second-generation device in terms of the evaporation rate and expected thrust. © 2022, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Publication:	AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022
Publisher:	American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Additional Information:	The copyright for this article belongs to American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Keywords:	Attitude control; Evaporation; Nozzle design; Propulsion; Satellites; Thin films, Design and Development; Low-costs; Micro thruster; Microsatellites; Miniaturized satellites; Propulsion system; Second generation; Short-term costs; Small-satellite; Surveillance missions, Liquid films
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2022 12:04
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2022 12:04
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/71186

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