Micronozzle Performance

A Numerical and Experimental Study

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

C.S. Ganani Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

B.T.C. Zandbergen Space Systems Egineering (supervisor 2)
A. Cervone Space Systems Egineering (supervisor 1)
K.J. Cowan Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2019 Chaggai Ganani
CFD MEMS Micronozzle Microthrust Resistojet
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Published Date

09-05-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Micropropulsion is universally considered to be a key technology enabling nano- and pico- satellites to perform more complex missions. However, past research has shown that nozzle efficiencies at the microscale are far inferior to their macro scale counterparts. These low efficiencies can be attributed to the relatively high viscous losses associated with this microscale. This thesis conducted a three-dimensional numerical study to investigate the impact of the nozzle geometry on the viscous losses. Furthermore, the designed micronozzles are fabricated and the ground work is laid for experimental testing of these nozzles. Results of the numerical study show that by application of a new double depth micro aerospike design nozzle efficiencies can be improved by as much as 41.2%.

Files

Thesis.pdf
(.pdf | 178 Mb)