Abstract

The multi-mode chemical-electric propulsion capable energetic ionic liquid propellant [Emim][EtSO4]-HAN is electro sprayed in a 100 µm capillary emitter to test the electric-mode performance of the propellant. The ionic liquid exhibits stable electrospray emission in both cation and anion extraction modes at a nominal extraction voltage of 3400 V. Near field measurements of current and mass flow rate distribution are taken at flow rates from 0.19 nL/s to 3.06 nL/s. Total emission current, as measured by Faraday cup and integrated, increases from 754 nA to 3195 nA for cation emission and from 552 nA to 2012 nA for anion emission. The thrust and specific impulse at 0.19 nL/s flow rate is 1.08 µN and 412 seconds, respectively, with a beam power of 2.22 mW. At 3.06 nL/s, the thrust is 8.71 µN and the specific impulse is 204 seconds with a beam power of 8.85 mW. Extrapolation of the current data shows that specific impulse in excess of 1000 seconds is achievable through optimized feed system and emitter design.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Publication Status

Available Access

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-162410321-6

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2015

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