Thrust Measurement of a Microwave Electrothermal Thruster

Andrew Dauby

The process of using microwaves to heat a gas to plasma temperatures is a proven method of providing thrust to spacecraft in orbit. This technology provides a higher performing alternative to cold-gas thrusters. The objective of this project is to produce thrust measurements for a streamlined microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) that generates a surface wave plasma and allows for more reasonable dimensional tolerances and uses simplified geometries for improved performance, when compared to traditional designs.
Major: 
Aerospace Engineering
Exhibition Category: 
Engineering
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Sven Bilen
Poster Number: 
20737