Numerical analysis of microchannel flow in vaporizing resistojet thrusters

In this report a master thesis work in support to the development of a water-based Vaporizing Liquid Microthruster (VLM) is presented. This device, which makes use of MEMS technology to offer a very high degree of miniaturization, is an extremely compact thruster which achieves an important performance (Isp > 100 s [64]) while utilizing water...

Novel fabrication method for a hot gas supersonic micro-thruster

A key element in the development of more capable nano- and pico-satellites is the development of high specific impulse micro-propulsion systems, which allow for more challenging space missions to be flown. One such system being developed at TU Delft is a micro-resistojet with a planar supersonic nozzle geometry. This is currently fabricated by...

The low-pressure micro-resistojet: Modelling and optimization for future nano- and pico-satellites

The aerospace industry is recently experiencing growing interest in very small spacecraft like nano- and pico-satellites. However, these very small satellites are still being developed in most cases without a dedicated propulsion system limiting their capabilities. The micro-resistojet has been recognized as a suitable propulsion system for...

Optimum Design of Low-Pressure Micro-Resistojet Applied to Nano- and Pico-Satellites

A Low-Pressure Micro-Resistojet (LPM) is under development at TU Delft with the intention to provide future nano- and pico-satellites with the necessary capability to execute formation flying maneuvers, orbit change maneuvers, and station keeping. In this particular type of electro-thermal thruster, water is a green propellant of excellent...

An analytical model for characterizing the thrust performance of a Low-Pressure Micro-Resistojet

There is a clear trend towards the developments of micro-propulsion system to enhance the capabilities of nano- and pico-satellites. A promising propulsion option to meet the strict requirements of these small satellites is the Low-Pressure Micro-Resistojet (LPM) which works under rarefied gas dynamic regime. To simplify the engineering...

Fabrication and characterization of low pressure micro-resistojets with integrated heater and temperature measurement

Three low pressure micro-resistojets (LPM) with integrated heater and temperature measurement were designed, manufactured and characterized at Delft university of technology. The devices were manufactured using silicon-based micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology including a heater made of molybdenum for better operations at high...

Heater Chip with Different Microchannels Geometries for a Low Pressure Free Molecular Micro-Resistojet

This paper presents a dynamic system approach for the modeling of fluid flow in microchannels to be used in thrust control applications. A micro-resistojet fabricated using MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) technology has been selected for the analysis. The device operates by vaporizing a liquid propellant, in this case water, and expelling...