Issue 7, 2009

A novel electrolytic ignition monopropellant microthruster based on low temperature co-fired ceramic tape technology

Abstract

A planar 2-D liquid monopropellant microthruster fabricated from low temperature co-fired ceramic tapes and ignited by electrolysis is reported. The volume of the combustion chamber was 820 nL (0.82 mm3). Silver electrodes were screen printed and positioned on the top and bottom surfaces of the combustion chamber. A DC voltage potential applied across the electrodes was used to initiate decomposition of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) based liquid monopropellants. A thrust output of 150 mN was obtained using a voltage input of 45 V. Measured ignition energies were as small as 1.9 J. Ignition delays, as short as a few hundred milliseconds, were found dependent on the type of HAN-based propellant and the voltage potential.

Graphical abstract: A novel electrolytic ignition monopropellant microthruster based on low temperature co-fired ceramic tape technology

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
24 Jul 2008
Accepted
20 Nov 2008
First published
15 Dec 2008

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 910-916

A novel electrolytic ignition monopropellant microthruster based on low temperature co-fired ceramic tape technology

M. Wu and R. A. Yetter, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 910 DOI: 10.1039/B812737A

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