Hannover 2010 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Downloads | Help

P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik

P 4: Invited Talks Melzer, Trottenberg

P 4.2: Invited Talk

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 12:10–12:40, B 305

Electrostatic microparticle propulsion for space flights — •Thomas Trottenberg, Viktor Schneider, and Holger Kersten — Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24098 Kiel

Today electrostatic propulsion is still a synonym for ion thrusters, which extract and accelerate ions from a plasma. The resulting propulsive force (thrust) is typically small (< 1 N). The idea of using particles even heavier than heavy ions, i.e. molecules, clusters, and fine particles, suggests itself and is not new [1]. The expected advantage is an increased thrust. At first glance, charging of nano- and microparticles in a complex plasma for their subsequent acceleration could be suitable, but on closer examination this route implicates severe obstacles [2]. Currently investigated concepts for heavy particle thrusters are summarized [3,4], and a new technique developed in our group is presented. It is based on contact charging of solid conductive microparticles up to their limits. The principle known from simulations of micrometeorites [5,6] has to be improved with regard to a reliable and high particle charging and a high mass flow rate.

[1] R. G. Jahn, Physics of Electric Propulsion, McGraw-Hill, 1968

[2] Th. Trottenberg et al., New J. Phys. 10, 063012 (2008)

[3] K. Smith et al., 31st International Electric Propulsion Conference, IEPC-2009-189 (2009)

[4] Gilchrist et al., United States Patent 7,516,610 (2009)

[5] H. Shelton et al., J. Appl. Phys. 31, 1243 (1960)

[6] M. Stübig et al., Planet. Space Sci. 49, 853 (2001)