Theoretical Modeling and Parameter Analysis of Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thruster

Yang Ou, Jianjun Wu, Yu Zhang, Jian Li and Sheng Tan
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Yang Ou: College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Jianjun Wu: College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Yu Zhang: College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Jian Li: College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Sheng Tan: College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-23

Abstract: In this paper, a new numerical modeling method that combines a modified electromechanical model with a Teflon ablation model is proposed to simulate the working process of micro-pulsed plasma thruster (μPPT). The ablation mass accumulation during the discharge process and the non-Fourier effect during the ablation process are considered to improve simulation accuracy. Simulation results are in good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, the influence of both the electrical and structural parts on the performance of μPPT was investigated by applying the combined model. It was proven that large capacitance of the capacitor and large gap-to-plate-width ratios can effectively improve the comprehensive performance of the thruster concluding the specific impulse, impulse bit, and efficiency. The results not only validate the theoretical model, but also guide the design and operation optimization of μPPT.

Keywords: electric propulsion; aerospace propulsion system; micro-pulsed plasma thruster; Teflon ablation; electromechanical model; numerical modeling; parameter analysis; non-Fourier effect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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