Design, Fabrication, Testing and Modeling of a Vaporizing Liquid Micro-Propulsion System

Design, Fabrication, Testing and Modeling of a Vaporizing Liquid Micro-Propulsion System

van Wees, T.
Hanselaar, C.A.J.
Jansen, E
Cervone, A. (TU Delft Space Systems Egineering)
Zandbergen, B.T.C. (TU Delft Space Systems Egineering)
van Zeijl, H.W. (TU Delft EKL Processing)

2016

In the last decade, CubeSat development has shown the potential to allow for low-risk, low-cost space missions. To further improve the capabilities of CubeSats in large scale missions, a novel micro-propulsion system is being developed at Delft University of Technology. The system is based on a Vaporizing Liquid Microthruster (VLM), which is manufactured by means of Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. It aims to achieve a specific impulse of 100 s and thrust of 1.4 mN, using water as propellant. This paper presents a status update of the development project. Design solutions are shown to circumvent manufacturing tolerances in the wafer-bonding and sealing of the interfaces of the VLM. Secondly, performance analysis based on a 1D-flow approximation is shown to provide a useful tool to quickly predict VLM performance. Next, a detailed design of the propellant storage tank for the CubeSat micro-propulsion system is presented. Finally, the test plan and test setup for the VLM are elaborated, presenting solutions to determine chamber temperature and pressure without directly sensing it.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9811010e-75a8-4146-8175-b8c454c43d20

Space propulsion 2016

Space propulsion, 2016-05-02 → 2016-05-06, Marriott Rome Park Hotel, Rome, Italy

Institutional Repository

conference paper

© 2016 T. van Wees, C.A.J. Hanselaar, E Jansen, A. Cervone, B.T.C. Zandbergen, H.W. van Zeijl